The benefit of research 

Harsh working conditions for trucks in South Africa conditions are a given but, truck makers still have to do thorough local testing to ensure their products can meet these demands.

 

Ongoing research and development (R&D) are key to the sustained growth and survival of any vehicle brand.

 

The same goes for FAW Trucks which is able to provide South African customers with products that have been researched and developed to excel in even the harshest working environments, without compromising on innovation, technology and comfort.

 

FAW Trucks places a high premium on R&D in order to not only maintain its leadership in the Chinese market, but also to ensure that it keeps up with the rapid advances being made in technology. Its R&D facility is based at the FAW Trucks manufacturing facility in Qingdao, China.

 

“The R&D centre greatly enhances the brand’s technological research and development capabilities, accelerates development of new products, and strengthens its position in global markets,” says Jianyu Hao, CEO of FAW South Africa. “One such global market is South Africa, where FAW Trucks is consistently ranked amongst the top sales  performers on the sales charts.”

 

All models sold in South Africa undergo testing to prove that they can withstand the unique – and often harsh – working conditions associated with African markets. In order to ensure that products live up to their reputation of being trucks that are built in South Africa, for Africa, most of the current model range such as the 6.130FL and 8.140FL as well as newer models such as the JH6 28.500FT are Euro 3 compliant.

 

“In the highly competitive South African commercial vehicle market, durability and quality are key factors,” explains Hao. “Customers expect their trucks to withstand a rough operational environment, but also expect the vehicles to be fuel efficient, lightweight and technologically advanced. They also want a wider choice. Thanks to the R&D facility in China, we are able to bring to market robust, high-quality vehicles.”

 

An example of this continued progress is the fact FAW Trucks is on the verge of introducing a new automatic model in the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) segment of the local market. A new model in the eight-tonne segment will also go on sale here before the end of the year.

 

FAW Trucks achieved a significant milestone in its local history by taking the top spot in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) segment of the local market for the first time in the first quarter of this year. It has performed consistently well in the segment ever since.

 Six variants for all-new Land Rover Discovery

The new Land Rover Discovery debuts in South Africa with six variants in the line up along with exterior, interior and technology updates. 

The new Discovery exterior has evolved with new signature LED headlights and a daytime running light signature set lower into the units. Animated sweeping front and rear indicators now provide heightened visual presence while body-colour front fender vents accentuate the premium SUV’s waistline. 

A revised front bumper now features a wider body-coloured graphic and at the rear, a new Gloss Black panel with the trademark Discovery script is positioned between the tail lights. 

 The R-Dynamic model has its own design elements, including Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents on the outside and two-tone leather and contrast seat stitching on the inside. 

R-Dynamic models also include Premium LED headlights, which produce a colour of light that is closer to daylight and driving at night or in poor visibility is made easier by Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA) which automatically switches on and headlights and dip for oncoming traffic. 

An optional hands-free tailgate can detect the wave of a foot beneath the rear bumper to open the boot while the Powered Inner Tailgate restrains loose items in the 2 485-litre load space and doubles as a handy bench. Even with seven seats in use, the boot provides 258 litres of luggage space and all occupants have somewhere to charge electronic devices. 

Intelligent Seat Fold technology allows customers to configure the seating layout using the central touchscreen, while remote app technology lets customers keep tabs on the fuel status and location of their vehicle and even unlock and lock the doors. 

In the back, the second-row seats have been redesigned for enhanced comfort while improved lateral support, longer thicker cushions and careful seat profiling contribute to greater under-thigh support and improved posture for all occupants.

 

Land Rover’s new second-generation Activity Key is also available and features touchscreen controls, a digital watch and can lock, unlock and start the vehicle as an addition to the conventional fob. 

A completely redesigned centre console houses a 48% larger 11,4-inch, full HD touchscreen and, with a simplified menu structure, the new Pivi Pro infotainment system provides immediate responses – even when starting the vehicle for the first time. Its built-in back-up battery means navigation initialisation takes just seconds, while the logical menus allow the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the customisable home screen, to reduce driver distraction. 

 

A new-look four-spoke steering wheel features hidden-until-lit switches and metal gearshift paddles while a tactile new gear selector provides instinctive control of the powertrain.  

Connectivity is provided by dual-sim technology, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time – such as streaming media and downloading Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates. Land Rover’s SOTA technology allows owners to update as many as 44 individual electronic modules, without having to visit a dealer. 

In combination with the 12,3-inch Interactive Driver Display, new Discovery provides high-definition 3D mapping within the instrumentation, leaving the central touchscreen free to control other applications. The high-resolution digital instruments can be configured to show a pair of conventional dials, full-screen 3D navigation guidance or a combination of the two, allowing drivers to customise the view to suit their preference. 

Customers also have the option of a full-colour Head-Up Display, putting high-resolution driving information directly into the driver’s eyeline, removing the need to look away from the road ahead.  

Smartphone integration is also simple, thanks to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while advanced Bluetooth technology can connect two smartphones simultaneously. Wireless charging with signal boosting technology is available as an option across the range.

Using the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, which is capable of linking up to eight devices, rear passengers can be entertained on even the longest journeys.  

Standard air suspension provides ride comfort in all environments and features automatic speed lowering to improve aerodynamic efficiency and enhance economy when cruising on motorways. 

Adaptive Dynamics damper technology – fitted to all models – monitors vehicle movements up to 500 times a second, reacting to driver or road inputs almost instantaneously for greater body control, ensuring a composed, flat ride.  

With Terrain Response 2 technology, new Discovery is always automatically primed to suit the driving conditions while the new Wade Mode optimises the vehicle for deep water fording – even applying the brakes automatically when the driver disengages Wade Mode, to restore full performance from the first application of the brakes. 

 

New Discovery also benefits from ClearSight Ground View technology, providing drivers with a view of the obscured ground directly beneath the front of the vehicle using the central touchscreen and a combination of forward-facing cameras. 

Two new 3,0-litre straight-six Ingenium engines, both petrol and diesel, are introduced with the petrol version featuring 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for enhanced efficiency, performance and smoothness. 

This P360 powertrain offers outputs of 265 kW and 500 Nm, and provides a 0-100 km/h time of 6,7 seconds. The new D300 six-cylinder Ingenium diesel features lightweight aluminium construction and replaces the previous SD4 and SDV6 diesels. With outputs of 221 kW and 650 Nm, the D300 can accelerate to 100 km/h in 6,8 seconds. 

Prices:

Discovery D300 S                                R1,452,700

Discovery D300 SE R-Dynamic            R1,561,200

Discovery D300 HSE R-Dynamic         R1,675,900

Discovery P360 S                                   R1,487,600

Discovery P360 SE R-Dynamic             R1,596,100

Discovery P360 HSE R-Dynamic          R1,710,900

* Prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax

 Coasting to a stop

South African commuters will see the Toyota Coaster for the first time as the new people mover slots into its space in the gap left between the LWB Quantum (16-seater) and Hino 300-based bus conversions.  

Powering the Coaster is a 4,0-litre, inline-four N04C turbo-diesel engine - delivering 100 kW at 3 000 r/min and 353 Nm at 1 600 r/min. This Hino-sourced engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. 

A 23-seater layout has been adopted (including driver), with six single-file seats on the passenger side, six double-seats on the driver side and a four-seater bench in the rear – offering seating for 22 passengers.

 

The first-generation Coaster was introduced in 1969 as a single-deck mini-bus, seating 17. Various iterations of the Coaster have been offered, with seating capacity ranging from 17 to 26. The second and third generations followed in 1982 and 1993 respectively. 

The current fourth-generation model went on sale in 2017 and featured an increase in length, width and window height - it was also the first model to be designed by Toyota's incorporated Commercial Vehicle (CV) company.   

While the focus is on passenger comfort, the Coaster features simple-to-use and robust switchgear around the driver. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Multi-Information Display (MID), 12-volt power outlet and Toyota audio system with Aux and USB functionality are included. The Toyota Connect in-car telematics and Wi-Fi system (with complimentary 15GB) is part of the product offering.

 

Safety specification includes anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as well as driver and passenger crash bags. 

The model is available only in White, accompanied by the regulatory mini-bus stickers and chevron demarcation. The interior is finished in highly-durable PVC, for both seat and floor trim. Similarly, Urethane has been employed on the steering wheel and gear lever.  

Pricing

Coaster 4.0D 5MT LWB - R899,900  

Coaster models are sold with a 6-services/60 000 km service plan (intervals set at 10 000 km) and 3-year/100 000 km warranty.

 New spec for Toyota's Luxury C-HR

The Luxury version of Toyota’s C-HR crossover – facelifted last year – has been given some additional sprucing up, both visually and in terms of safety. 

The latest version adopts sequential turn indicators and a unique light-cluster treatment. Y-shaped light guides are paired with high-intensity Bi-beam LED light clusters with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The foglamps in turn have also been upgraded to LED spec. 

 

At the rear there is now a three-segment LED design, complemented by smoked light surrounds and horizontal cross section (which extends across the tailgate).

The active safety system – Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) – has been upgraded with the addition of all-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), while the Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system now boasts Lane Trace functionality.

 Lane Trace Assist is a further evolution of LDA, where the system will not only help avoid unplanned lane departure, but assist with centring the vehicle within the lane while following the natural arc of the road. These features are in addition to the existing Pre-Collision System (PCS), Auto High Beam (AHB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) - as part of the TSS suite. 

The 1,2-litre turbo-charged petrol engine continues as the anchor of the range paired to either a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 85 kW and 185 Nm across a broad rev range. 

Standard features on the Luxury model include keyless entry, push start operation, auto-retractable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Park Distance Control (PDC), automatic climate control, heated seats, Multi-Information Display, a touchscreen audio system with CarPlay/Android Auto functionality and luxurious leather interior (with diamond motif) round it off.

 

The Toyota Connect in-car telematics and Wi-Fi system (with complimentary 15GB) is included.

Pricing

C-HR 1.2T                                      - R 402 300

C-HR 1.2T Plus                             - R 436 300

C-HR 1.2T Plus CVT                    - R 449 300

CHR 1.2T Luxury CVT               - R 519 900

 

All C-HR models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km) and 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Customers can also purchase a variety of service and/or warranty add-ons at their local dealership.

Fit for purpose 

Honda South Africa has dropped the Jazz nameplate and replaced it with the Fit that also becomes the first model powered by the company’s new e:HEV hybrid technology – alongside a more traditional 1,5-litre petrol engine. 

“The all-new generation of the longstanding Honda Jazz will officially be reintroduced into the South African market as the Honda Fit, in recognition of the vast and distinct improvements made over the previous model,” says Yuishi Fukuda, President of Honda Motor Southern Africa. 

“The all-new Japanese-built Honda Fit represents a new generation of cars for Honda Motor Southern Africa focused on reasserting Honda’s position as a brand that is synonymous with outstanding quality, durability and technology,” says Dinesh Govender, General Manager of Honda Motor Southern Africa. “Our strategy for the Fit aims to rebrand the image of the model from one that has always appealed to customers’ rational side due to its space and practicality, to one that appeals more to customers’ emotional side with an exquisite design, exceptional drive and brand-new technology.”

 

The new design evolution introduces simplicity to the shape of the outgoing Honda Jazz. Its smooth contours follow the short nose, long roof line and cabin-forward style of previous generations. 

The A-pillar thickness has been more than halved from 116 mm to just 55 mm with the pillar behind now providing the main structural strength. This, along with the hidden windscreen wipers, provides the driver and front seat passenger with an unobstructed, almost panoramic field of vision. 

The overall height is reduced by 13 mm, which combines with a forward-leaning tailgate design to create a more compact-looking, well-balanced cabin and a reassuringly surefooted stance.

 The user-focused dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel that sweeps horizontally across the cabin, where the central HMI 9-inch touchscreen (standard on Elegance and Executive grades) and 7-inch full TFT instrument cluster which is standard across the range, are simple and easy to read.

The luggage capacity (with rear seats up) starts from 309 litres (298 for HEV) and increases to 1 210 litres (to the roof with the rear seats down) (1 199 for HEV). 

Also key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, which is unique in this class. This enables the Fit to retain the rear Magic Seat configuration that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility. 

Front seat occupants also benefit from Honda's newly developed body stabilising seat frame featuring a new premium mat structure for additional support and an increase of 30 mm in seat padding thickness for extra comfort. 

The base Fit petrol models are equipped with Honda’s new 1,5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine generating 89 kW at 6 600 r/min and torque of 145 Nm at 4 300 r/min. This new powertrain is more powerful and efficient than the outgoing model fuel consumption claimed at 5,5 l/100 km and a CO₂ emission figure of 132 g/km. 

The flagship Fit Hybrid has two compact, electric motors connected to a 1,5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit, which all work together to provide a smooth and direct response.

 

The total output of 80 kW and 253 Nm of electric propulsion torque can propel the car to 100km/h in just 9,4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 175 km/h. Fuel economy is claimed at 3,7 l/100 km and produces CO₂ emissions of 88 g/km, exempting the Fit Hybrid model from additional CO₂ tax. 

In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive. For driving at highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration. 

In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor. EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery. 

Rather than using a conventional transmission, the Fit Hybrid is equipped with a newly-developed electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components. The result is a smooth and reassuring transfer of torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes. 

When in Hybrid Drive mode the all-new e-CVT control logic ensures the electric propulsion motor provides powerful torque, whilst the engine provides a direct and linear feel during acceleration, similar to that of a multi-stage transmission. 

Honda has enhanced the car’s chassis, suspension and body rigidity and the ratio of higher tensile strength steel has risen by 80% for the new generation model, helping to reduce weight and improve safety performance in the event of a crash. Static bending is improved by 6% while static torsion is improved by 13%. 

The front suspension geometry has a low front roll centre to enhance stability, which helps the Fit feel precise, natural and agile when cornering. Its agility is further augmented by an electric power-assisted steering system and steering ratio improvements, which deliver accurate feedback to the driver and provide more natural direction-changing behaviour.

 

Stopping power is ensured by an all-disc braking system featuring 262 mm ventilated front discs and 239 mm solid discs at the rear. Electronic brake systems include: Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist and Automatic Brake Hold. 

Fit owners and occupants are protected by six crash bags, comprising front, side and curtain SRS bags while the enhanced Honda SENSING active safety technology, includes:

·                  Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with improved night-time operation to also detect pedestrians when there is no street lighting. The system also alerts the driver when it detects a cyclist turning into the road. In addition, the system now also applies the brakes when the Fit cuts across or turns into the path of an oncoming vehicle thanks to the new front wide-view camera.

·                  Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) manages the distance to the car in front automatically by continuously adjusting the speed, allowing the car to follow traffic at highway speeds.

·                  Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) prevents the vehicle from drifting into adjacent lanes by detecting lane markers on the road

·                  Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system assists the driver to not stray from the road. It alerts the driver if it detects that the vehicle is approaching the outer edge of the road, an oncoming vehicle, or drifting into another lane without indicating.

·                  Auto High-Beam (AHB) switches High Beam head lights on/off automatically depending on oncoming/preceding vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles), bicycles and environmental brightness so not to blind other road users.

The driver is also able to operate and determine how much driver assistance information is displayed on the seven-inch TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) instrument binnacle. 

PRICING

Fit 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC Comfort CVT                                R319 900

Fit 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC Elegance CVT                              R359 900

Fit 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC Executive CVT                             R389 900

Fit 1.5 DOHC i-MMD e-CVT Hybrid                                R469 900 

The Honda Fit range comes standard with Honda’s 5-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a 4-year/60 000 km Service Plan with 15 000 km service intervals. The Fit Hybrid model comes standard with an extended 8-year/200 000 km warranty specifically covering the battery and related components of the Hybrid system.

 More investment as C-Class rolls of the East London production line

With the manufacture of the latest generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class having started at the company’s East London plant, it has also announced an additional investment of R3-billion. 

The plant upgrades feature environmentally-friendly buildings including a technologically advanced paint shop, body shop, assembly and logistics warehouse. 

Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Production and Supply Chain Management says: “South Africa is an important location in our global Mercedes-Benz production network. The team in East London made a remarkable contribution to the international ramp-up of the new C-Class that we produce through efficient, flexible, digital and sustainable operations.

 

Thanks to the exceptional work of our colleagues in South Africa and all over the world and their first-class cooperation, our modern plants are able to produce outstanding vehicles like the new C-Class. With our additional invest of R3-billion in East London Plant, we underline our commitment to contributing to the South African economy and the Eastern Cape region."  

Commenting on the additional investment and start of production of the new C-Class, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, said: “the launch of this new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the latest generation to grace the roads of South Africa and the world, positions Buffalo City and the rest of Eastern Cape to continue its legacy of advanced manufacturing. Through the South African Automotive Masterplan, and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), we have created a platform for investment in the industry, deepening our technological expertise, creating local value chains, and securing jobs.”

Since the investment announcement in 2018, the R10-billion investment was utilised for a wide modernisation of the East London plant. The plant upgrades include a new Body Shop, which has been designed for higher capacities and features more than 500 ‘Internet of Things’ Industry 4.0-enabled robots. To allow the East London Plant to increase volume outputs, optimise the assembly line and achieve commercial synergies, a new Body Shop has been built at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), where vehicle parts for the New Generation C-Class are manufactured. 

More than 700 tons of steel have been installed for the additional three lines in the assembly shop and a new logistics warehouse. Utilising new methods such as art application technology, the new paint shop is now even more energy efficient and more environmentally-friendly. 

Overall, the new buildings comprise an area of approximately 100 000 sq/m. This reflects an addition of two thirds of the already existing buildings for the passenger vehicle production. At the Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy, additional robotics were installed for training. The Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy (MBLA) is a flagship and sustainable Public Private Partnership in cooperation with the National Treasury and the Jobs Fund.

 

Commenting on the successful ramp up of the New Generation C-Class, CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Manufacturing, Andreas Engling said: “Despite a tough year in 2020, we were able to accomplish what we had planned. To date, all of our buildings are complete and we are ready for the production of the new generation C-Class in full force.” 

With Ambition 2039, Mercedes-Benz strives for a fully networked and completely CO2 neutral vehicle fleet in less than 20 years, aiming to have plug-in hybrids or all-electric vehicles to make up more than 50% of its sales by 2030. 

In support of Ambition 2039, locally, the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London has embarked on numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment for future generations. The new paint shop is more energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption per vehicle by 25%. The new buildings have been equipped with energy efficient LED lighting, which uses up to 90% less energy per lumen output. 

Additional plant sustainability initiatives include battery storage containers; rainwater recycling with a water storage of 1-million litres; green areas which have been installed on the corridors and the roofs as well as soluble labelling which is being utilised on production parts packaging to minimize waste reduction. 

“At Mercedes-Benz South Africa we are committed to an environmentally-friendly production. As such, we focus our efforts on the efficient use of resources. Through the certification and carbon offset strategy, the East London Plant will become CO2 neutral as of January 2022. As an organisation, we remain committed to a sustainable present and a bright and hopeful future,” added Engling.

 Your car can 'speak' Zulu

Digital navigation is one of today’s driving norms and while we might still chuckle at the voice guidance struggling with our mixture of languages, the route directions are predominantly in English. 

Nissan South Africa has launched a service combined with its Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technology that allows local drivers to use Zulu and local slang vocal commands compatible with Waze. 

Nissan, alongside TBWA Hunt Lascaris has Shwii by Nissan and Stefan Haasbroek, marketing director at Nissan South Africa says: “Shwii by Nissan is made with South Africans in mind. We are driving the local conversation on inclusivity, combined with smart technology by putting our local languages on the map.”

 

“When you speak to someone in their home language, they can understand and respond in time by reacting accordingly to any obstacle or potential danger around them and that was one of the reasons behind this campaign, to put our local languages on the map,” says Nokwe Ndwandwe, brand manager at Nissan South Africa. 

The campaign taps into the gap within voice navigation technology and the importance of language, which shapes our culture. While dozens of languages are available on apps such as Waze, Zulu – spoken by roughly 16-million people mostly in South Africa – was missing. 

With isiZulu and local slang as the brand new set of vocals, Nissan is fostering an environment of inclusivity – both inside and outside the car. 

More local South African languages will be coming soon on the Waze platform courtesy of Shwii by Nissan. 

Find out more about Shwii by Nissan here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cKROVPfobek

 Thumbs up from Kimi for new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

Alfa Romeo is going big with the upcoming Giulia GTA and GTAm models and this is personified by having none other than Kimi Räikkönen as part of the testing process. 

The Finnish driver from the Alfa Romeo Racing – ORLEN Formula 1 team has conducted the final testing session on the definitive versions of the Giulia GTA and GTAm and follows tests some months ago by the Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, aimed at honing the new aerodynamic solutions developed by Alfa Romeo and Sauber Engineering. 

“I really like it,” he says. “We’re looking at a car that can be used on an everyday basis, but that can also be taken onto the track, one in which you can really enjoy yourself.”

 

Kimi Räikkönen analysed the changes made to the car, specifically in terms of the aerodynamics. He had already worked on this aspect in the first session, providing invaluable advice on the new appendages added both to the front in the form of the new adjustable splitter built into the new front bumper and to the rear – the addition of the new manually adjustable wing. 

More general changes have also been made to the overall balance guaranteed by the interaction of these new components with the extractor and the underbody fairing. 

Kimi’s judgment? “Of course, it's better at high speeds in terms of balance. It seems the front of the car is lower, making the steering faster. It’s fast, easy to drive, and responsive.” 

Once he takes off his racing suit and is away from the spotlight, Kimi Räikkönen is back playing the role of father, taking his children to school. He believes the Giulia GTA represents the ideal mix for use every day and on the track. 

Alfa Romeo entrusts Sauber Engineering with the production of most of the carbon fibre components in the GTA and GTAm, especially those that affect the aerodynamics. These include the new front bumper, the side skirts, the extractor, the GTA spoiler and the GTAm aero wing.

 

Courtesy of its manually adjustable front and rear wings, the Giulia GTAm can adapt its aerodynamic performance to any kind of track or road, precisely following the requests and preferences of its driver. The aerodynamic research in the wind tunnel was not limited to the wing appendages, it also focused on the underbody, fully faired as in the Giulia Quadrifoglio. 

The GTA and GTAm also benefit from a special new air extractor capable of increasing the car’s ground effect, thus guaranteeing excellent road holding at high speeds. In particular, on the Giulia GTAm the most intense aerodynamic configuration mounts double the pressure of the Giulia GTA, triple compared to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the previous benchmark in its segment.

 Porsche adds GTS variants to 911 range

The Porsche 911, now in its eighth generation, is expanding its range with the inclusion of five GTS variants.

All are powered by a six-cylinder boxer engine delivering 353 kW, which is 22 kW more than the current 911 Carrera S and the previous 911 GTS. 

The five model variants are:

·                  911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, as Coupé and Cabriolet

·                  911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive, as Coupé and Cabriolet

·                  911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive. 

An eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) or a seven-speed manual, along with GTS-specific suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo, is standard.

 

Available on the GTS for the first time is the optional Lightweight Design package which saves up to 25 kilograms and further enhances driving dynamics. 

The looks of the new models feature black contrasting bodywork elements and darkened headlight areas. Black is also the dominant colour of the interior where many features are made of Race-Tex microfibre. 

The turbo-charged three-litre flat-six in the new 911 GTS delivers its 353 kW with maximum torque now 570 Nm, an increase of 20 Nm over its predecessor. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 3,3 seconds in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé with the eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), three tenths faster than its predecessor. 

Its suspension, derived from the 911 Turbo and modified for the GTS, features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), where the dampers respond to dynamic changes at lightning speed. In the Coupé and Cabriolet, PASM is standard combined with the 10-millimetre-lower sport chassis.

 

To match the increased performance of the GTS, the models feature the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo. The 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) black, centre-lock alloy wheels are from the 911 Turbo. The standard sports exhaust system is responsible for an even more emotive soundtrack, thanks to its GTS-specific set-up and the omission of some interior insulation. 

A multitude of black or darkened exterior details is characteristic of the 911 GTS. On the 911 Targa 4 GTS, this also includes the Targa roll bar and Targa lettering. Elements painted in black silk gloss include the spoiler lip, the centre-lock alloy wheels, the engine cover louvres, and the GTS script on the doors and rear of the car. The exterior package, in which these and other details are offered in high-gloss black, can be chosen as an option. 

All 911 GTS models have the Sport Design package, with distinctive trim for the front, rear and the side sills. The headlight rims and daytime running light surrounds are darkened, and the car is fitted with standard LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). The rear lights are unique to the GTS models.

 

Driving dynamics are improved with the optional Lightweight Design package, which will be available for the first time on the GTS range. Up to 25 kg will be saved by the lighter carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight glass for the side and rear windows, and lightweight battery. The rear seats are also removed. Other performance enhancements include rear-axle steering as standard in this equipment package and additional aerodynamic finishing touches. 

The gear lever of the optional seven-speed manual transmission has been shortened by 10 mm, which enables fast gear shifts with a flick of the wrist. A GT Sport steering wheel as well as the Sport Chrono package with mode switch, Porsche Track Precision app and a tyre temperature display are standard features. The standard Sport Seats Plus with electric four-way adjustment provide lateral support, comfort and convenience. The interior insulation has been reduced, which enhances the emotive driving acoustics. 

The new generation of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) features additional functions and significantly simplified operation. The touch areas in the menu have been enlarged and the option of rearranging the tiles on the home screen is new. The improved voice assistant recognises natural speech and can be activated with ‘Hey Porsche’. 

iOS and Android users will enjoy full connectivity. With Apple Car Play and now Android Auto, the functions of the corresponding mobile phones can be fully used in the new  Porsche 911 GTS models.

 Road to Dakar winners 

Eben Basson and Gerhard Schutte have earned their way to Dakar by winning the Road to Dakar challenge that formed part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA 1000 Desert race at the weekend.

 

This race-within-a-race offers privateer crews the opportunity to win a free entry to the world’s toughest automotive race, the Dakar Rally. This year saw Eben Basson and Gerhard Schutte power their Red-Lined Motorsport VK56 to victory in the Road to Dakar, opening the door for the pair to take on the iconic race in either 2022 or 2023. 

Basson/Schutte’s Desert Race got off to a rocky start when the pair suffered a time penalty after the Pirelli Qualifying Race on the Friday of the race weekend. Despite competing in his first marathon event, Basson proved equal to the challenge of the mammoth event, and fought his way back up the standings. 

At the midpoint of the event, the pair were up into 13th place in the Production Category, and managed to improve to 9th place in both the overall standings and Class FIA by the end of the race.

 

Basson follows in the footsteps of Treasury One’s Hennie de Klerk who won a free entry to the Dakar Rally in 2017, when he was the first of the registered Dakar Challengers to cross the line in Botswana. Winners in 2018 and 2019 were not able to take up the Dakar challenge for various reasons, but this year the Road to Dakar was even more valuable than before. 

For 2021, the prize included a cash allocation of 8,000 euros which will go towards securing the funds necessary to compete in the race.

 Road Review: Kia Sonet 1.5 EX manual

The lines have blurred between the traditional market segment slots that used to define new cars but, with the Sonet, Kia appears to have taken an eraser to those lines with something that can cross over from ‘A’ to ‘C’. 

The Sonet – a new design not replacing any previous model in its range that stems from a collaboration between Kia Motors India and the company’s global R&D headquarters in Namyang, South Korea – technically slots into the B-SUV pool. 

This sector is one of the most hotly contested requiring automakers to add more and more value in order to eke out a suitable share of the market, with the division of that pie reaching a loaves and fishes kind of equation. 

At 4 120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2 500 mm, it is one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the segment and is offered in seven one-tone exterior colours: Glacier White, Steel Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black, Beige Gold, Intense Red and Intelligency Blue. Customers may opt for one of four two-tone exterior colour options: Glacier White or Intense Red with a black roof, or Gravity Grey or Intelligency Blue with a white roof. 

Inside, intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room, and created a large luggage area measuring 392 litres. 

Yet, with all of that it bears the tag of being an urban cruiser well – visibility from the driver’s seat is good all round so it is easy to wiggle into shopping centre parking bays but commands enough road presence not to be intimidated by taxis, trucks and other heavyweights. 

The exterior sees a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille’, with a front skid plate underneath. Its silhouette is enhanced by the design and structure of its C-pillars, matched with a wrap-around rear windscreen. 

On the inside, the dashboard is an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, a standard fitment throughout the range. The setup includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. 

The Sonet is offered with a new engine for the South African market. Kia’s 1.5 MPI petrol engine boasts outputs of 85 kW at 6 300 r/min and 144 Nm of torque at 4 500 r/min. Customers have a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

My unit was the manual transmission version and it whisked through the standard test cycle, returning an overall average consumption of 7,3 l/100 km for a tank range around the 600 km mark (cruising). It lopes from zero to 100 km/h in 11,9 seconds and has a top speed of 165 km/h. 

CO2 emissions are a little on the high side at 165 g/km compared to its major segment opposition in the form of the Mahindra XUV300 1.2, the Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GL and Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS, all three of which are lower priced than the Sonet by an average R21 096. 

However, the Mahindra does not have brake assist as standard and none of the opposition has hill start assist, traction control or auto on/off lights in their armoury so car buyers need to carefully examine the standard fitment listings in order to make an informed choice. 

Standard items include 8,0-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote central locking, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, front and rear power windows, electrically operated mirrors, 6 speakers, 16-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlamp activation, rear-view camera, combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim. 

The mid-spec EX models add rear park distance control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, silver skid plates, roof rails, side repeater lamps and front fog lights. 

All models have Electronic Stability Control (ESC), anti-lock braking with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), dual front crash bags and ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points. 

This serves to make it an attractive package, backed by a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and 4-year/60 00 km service plan. 

As mentioned, it serves its urban cruiser role well and even though the rear seat does not have a 60:40 split, there are enough combinations to make it useful as a load carrier rather than people mover. 

While in no great hurry to get anywhere, it does the job comfortably and efficiently. The steering is light enough for the parking application but still with decent feedback when working corners or dodging potholes, remaining accurate and positive. 

It sits solidly on the road and will respond to press on requests with some easily countered push from the front end when pointed sharply into a corner and braking on the test was fade free and stopping comfortingly rapid. 

The lines that are not blurred are those visual ones this attractive cruiser cuts as it takes its place in the traffic.