Colin-on-Cars - Designed to be efficient

FAW Trucks are highly fuel efficient and this is backed up by excellent results in the recent 2022 Focus Transport Truck Test event, with the JH6 28.500FT claiming a second in terms of fuel efficiency, against some of the best brands in the industry. 

“Many of us are tired of hearing about increases to petrol and diesel prices. The stress of frequent fuel tax climbs adds to the complexities of running a business in South Africa. Despite the costs saved with diesel vehicles, fuel-efficient trucks save your business money,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa. 

“FAW Trucks have been tested and reviewed against the standard of market leaders, not only in South Africa, and this is done to ensure we align consumption, performance and efficiency and are always striving for better results – as shown in the recent local tests.

Reviews

These fuel-efficiency reviews ensure our trucks are up with the best when it comes to cost per km. Furthermore, FAW’s fuel costs often came below most of its industry counterparts.

The route used for the test included a return trip from Johannesburg to Pinetown on what is the busiest and one of the most challenging freight routes in the country. All the vehicles involved in the test were driven over the route on the same day and at the same time to ensure absolute parity of test conditions.

Selecting

“Right now, for any transport operator, total cost of operation is first and foremost when it comes to selecting vehicles and FAW Trucks has a proud history of carefully matching engines and performance to the stated capabilities of our trucks in order to maximise efficiency in every aspect, including fuel consumption.”

In terms of maximising cost efficiencies, FAW Trucks has a significant advantage due to the location and efficiency of its Coega plant, making the prices of FAW trucks extremely competitive.

Also, FAW offers a wide range of trucks and parts to suit business needs., The FAW’s mighty truck range gives businesses the options in terms of durability and price in a variable economy.

Quotations

Furthermore, FAW dealerships allow clients to receive tailor-made quotations that reflect various build and capacities to exactly match the weight, performance, engine, and brakes required to serve specific needs.

“FAW is a major player in the trucking business. Since the 1990s, we have partnered with other major manufacturers, ensuring we put our customers first. Our production and logistics networks aim for sustainable growth,” adds Yongjun Li. “Thus, our trucks are not isolated in design and manufacturing expertise and, neither is our service network.”

https://bit.ly/3bEeOD3

Colin-on-Cars: Historic Aston Martin up for sale - only R22-million

When Sir David Brown ordered his convertible, he had little idea of just how famous the Aston Martin DB5 would become following its appearance in the 1964 James Bond movie ‘Goldfinger’.

The Aston Martin DB5 convertible – one of only 123 built – owned by the man who gave his initials to the DB range, from DB1 through to the current DB11, has been meticulously restored to its original condition and specification and is going up for sale by Aston Martin Specialists, Nicholas Mee & Co.

The importance of the Aston Martin DB5 Convertible in automotive history cannot be overstated; with just 123 models ever built it’s one of the most highly sought-after cars for collectors across the globe.  The DB5 model first appeared as James Bond’s car of choice in coupe form in 1964, but such is its enduring status as a symbol of British prestige it remains an icon to this day, most recently appearing in ‘No Time to Die’.

Delivered to Sir David in January of 1964, the car was built to the highest spec, with a then-new five-speed ZF gearbox, a Power Lock rear axle, chromed wire wheels and a Motorola radio. The factory build sheet, supplied with the car, confirms it was specified in a vibrant Caribbean Pearl, with a Dark Blue interior.

It was cherished by Sir David for three years before being acquired by former Aston Martin DB4 GT owner and garage proprietor, John Wilkinson. During Wilkinson’s ownership, maintenance was carried out at Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, where records confirm a replacement engine block was installed and a newly stamped manufacturer’s identity plate applied in 1969.

Landmark

This is the first time in 28 years anyone has had the opportunity to purchase this landmark of automotive history, it was last sold by Nicholas Mee & Co in 1994, the year after the passing of Sir David Brown. Since then it has starred at various Concours events across Europe.

In 2014, it benefited from a major restoration faithful to its original specifications, which included a rebuild of the 4,0-litre engine, as well as rebuilds of the suspension, gearbox, brakes and rear axle. A bare metal re-paint and complete re-trim of the interior in Connolly hide, along with a new hood covering, completed work and means it drives as beautifully today as it did when in the hands of Sir David. 

Vision

It was Sir David Brown’s vision that began the DB series of sports cars and grand tourers, beginning with the DB1 right through to the Aston Martin DB11 on sale today. But it was the DB5 that catapulted the DB series to international fame. Today the DB5 is one of the most sought-after collector’s cars in the world, with just over 1 000 examples made in total of any variant, which included the Convertible and the performance-enhanced Vantage versions. 

Sir David acquired Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500 after seeing an advert in The Times newspaper offering the sale of a ‘High Class Motor Business’. He saved the ailing brand, which had ceased to produce cars to focus on making aircraft parts during World War II, and is key to the reason Aston Martin makes some of the world’s finest cars today, including a model that still bears his initials.

Nicholas Mee, says: “The very fact Sir David Brown owned this DB5 Convertible makes it one of the most special and unique DB cars of all time. The DB5 itself is the most iconic Aston Martin model ever produced, but this car’s provenance sets it apart.

“It is restored to precisely the same specifications Sir David ordered it in back in 1964, it’s a car he cherished and loved. This is a one-of-a-kind example of British automotive history.”

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible is offered for £1,150,000 (R22 425 000).

https://bit.ly/3Qzdm4Z

Colin-on-Cars: Electric vehicles - what about caravans?

While the electric car revolution is still in its infancy in South Africa, the growing move to battery electric vehicles (BEV) elsewhere in the world is showing there are still many obstacles to overcome – the latest highlighted in the recent WhatCar ‘Tow Car Awards’ where electric vehicles fell short.

With more than 98 000 registered caravans in South Africa, this form of holidaying is still extremely popular and needs to be taken into consideration in every decision relating to the move to BEV.

Hyundai Tucson

As part of the judging process for the awards, eight of the latest electric cars were range tested with and without a caravan.

Average

The best performer managed 180 km while towing a caravan weighted to 85% of the car’s kerb weight (the maximum recommended), and the worst just 125 km. Meanwhile, the average drop compared with the range without a caravan on the same test route and in the same weather conditions was 54,6%.

By comparison, the fuel economy in a petrol or diesel car typically drops by around a third when towing, so it will be necessary to stop more often with an electric car. Plus, topping up is likely to be much more complicated.

None of the motorway services run by the three main operators in the UK currently allow caravanners to charge without first unhitching. And due to one-way systems, some make it impossible to get back from the chargers to the towing parking area.

Improved

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford says: “Electric car ranges have improved massively over the last decade, but towing is always going to reduce how far you can go on a charge, so it’s crucial the infrastructure is in place to support those who use their cars to pull a caravan or trailer. At the moment their needs feel like an afterthought, even though the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK is just eight years away.”

Audi Q5

For now, a model with a combustion engine remains the only suitable option for many caravanners, with the Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro diesel named the best car for towing in 2022.

Priority

Huntingford explained: “Stability has to be the number one priority when towing, and the Q5 is as solid and secure as they come. However, it also offers a fantastic blend of performance and practicality, and is cleaner and more efficient than traditional diesel models, thanks to mild-hybrid electric assistance.”

Before deciding on the overall winner in 2022, the judges handed out awards to cars in five different towing weight classes, ranging from up to 1 400 kg to more than 1 900 kg. They also named the best tow car for practicality and the best electric, plug-in hybrid and estate cars for towing.

In addition to taking the top prize, Audi won the 1 700-1 899 kg weight category with the Q5. 

Two other manufacturers also took home a brace of awards: Kia won the 1 900kg+ category with the Sorento 2.2 CRDi and best electric tow car with the EV6 77,4 kWh AWD, while Skoda won the up to 1 400 kg and 1 550-1 699 kg weight categories with the Scala 1.0 TSI and Karoq 2.0 TDI Evo 150 4x4 DSG respectively.

Eligible

Testing was undertaken by matching eligible cars to caravans weighted to 85% of the car's kerb weight or its legal towing limit, depending on which was lower. They were then ballasted to simulate driving with passengers and luggage.

BMW iX

WHAT CAR? TOW CAR AWARDS - 2022 WINNERS

Overall winner
Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport
Up to 1400kg winner
Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI SE

1400-1549kg winner
Seat Ateca 1.5 TSI Evo SE DSG

1550-1699kg winner
Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI Evo 150 SE L 4x4 DSG

1700-1899kg winner
Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport

1900kg+ winner
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi 3 DCT

Electric car winner
Kia EV6 77.4kWh GT-Line AWD
Plug-in hybrid winner
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Premium 4WD Auto

Estate car winner
Ford Focus Estate 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line Vignale Auto

Practicality winner 
Volkswagen Multivan 2.0 TSI 204 Style DSG

 
https://bit.ly/3Qlj3Dg

Colin-on-Cars - What kind of passenger are you?

They can be your great mate at the wheel of a car - or they can literally drive you to despair! New research reveals car passengers who tend to annoy you can fall into one of seven categories, with backseat drivers, snoozers and chatterboxes among the most irritating!

The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched some of motorists’ biggest pet peeves that they encounter on the road, revealing pesky car companions at the top of the list. 

Credit: Pixabay

Car companions who would describe themselves as ‘human satnavs’ or those with particularly weak bladders are described as some of the worst to be stuck with giving a lift to. 

No matter how irritating these people may be, experts are urging motorists to think smartly when it comes to driving with disruptive passengers to ensure safety for everyone in the vehicle at all times. 

A spokesperson from StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Motorists around the world will all have fallen victim to one of the seven categories of passengers at some point in their driving lives.

“From the ones who can't stay awake to those who can't stop talking, irritating company can be one of the biggest downfalls when it comes to having a car. However there are a few things you can do to ensure as little disruption as possible when it comes to driving around your friends and family.”

Backseat drivers

Often labelled as the most annoying passengers, these motoring know-it-alls will spend the whole journey telling you what speed you should be travelling at, what gear you should be in or what lane is best. 

When faced with one of these pesky passengers, make sure to remind them that you have planned the route, are aware of the roads and speed limits and that you would appreciate your driving not being commented on.

Nauseous travellers 

If providing a lift for anyone who suffers from travel sickness, make sure to prepare ahead by keeping a couple of sick bags in your glove compartment. This way, your car companion can reach for a bag whenever they are starting to feel nauseous. 

Snoozers

A snoozy car companion can sometimes become an annoyance for those who are driving tired. Making sure that you are always well-rested before driving should help beat the irritation. 

Weak bladder

Everyone has that one friend who can't make it a whole journey without requesting a rest stop. Before allowing any friends to enter your car, clever motorists should ask all passengers to have a trip to the bathroom before entering the car. 

Lead singers

Those who use the passenger seat as centre stage for their one-person show, singing very loudly, missing notes and getting lyrics wrong, can cause great annoyance to drivers.

Any motorists who find themselves in the overwhelming position of sharing a journey with a karaoke enthusiast should consider turning off the music and instead playing a podcast or audio book. 

Chatterboxes

The last thing drivers need when trying to focus is a passenger who doesn't know when to keep quiet, especially if you are trying to listen out to your satnav. 

Make sure to let your passenger know that it is important you can listen out for the directions your sat nav is giving you. 

Human satnavs

No matter how confident on the road you may seem, there is always that one passenger who claims to know the route far better than you. They will go out of their way to let you know the best way to go and where all the shortcuts are. 

Irritated motorists have no other option than to reinforce that they know exactly where they are going and have planned a route ahead of time that you will absolutely stick to.

https://bit.ly/3HAPudb

Colin-on-Cars - Dakar prize up for grabs

The longest and toughest race on the South African Rally-Raid calendar, the Toyota Gazoo Racing 1000 Desert Race, is much more than just a round of the series because, within the chase for championship points, is the race for entry to the Dakar.

The event kicks off in the Northern Cape town of Upington on June 24 and the ‘race to Dakar’ is open to all privateers who have not previously taken part in the Dakar Rally. The winning competitor can choose to enter the next Dakar or the following one, effectively giving the team a maximum of 18 months to prepare for the race.

Eligible

This means crews who have previously won the Dakar Challenge or Road to Dakar, but have not been able to take up their prize, are eligible to win again in 2022.

In order to further level the playing field for competitors, the organisers of the Dakar Rally have set a rule that both the driver and navigator must be Dakar rookies, neither having taken part in the Dakar Rally before.

The 2022 Road to Dakar will include not only free entry to the Dakar Rally, but also a cash prize of 8 000 euros, which will assist the winning team in their preparations for the mammoth race. The total value of the prize is near R700 000, essentially paving the way for rookie privateers to realise their Dakar dreams.

“Toyota South Africa has a long and proud history in the world of cross-country racing, both locally and on the International stage,” says Toyota SA Motors Vice-President for Marketing, Glenn Crompton. “Our Dakar-winning Hilux is proof of our commitment, and we are excited to be able to support the Road to Dakar again this year, opening the door for rookie privateers to compete in the Dakar Rally, through the flagship event on the SARRC calendar, the TGRSA 1,000 Desert Race.”

Status

However, championship status is what the NWM Ford Castrol team will be looking for in what is the second round of the series with the Sugarbelt 400 in KwaZulu-Natal postponed as a result of the recent devastating floods.

Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (277) are the leading NWM Ford Castrol Team contenders, having finished on the podium in third place at the wet and muddy opening round – the Mpumalanga 400 held in Dullstroom in March – and are currently placed third in the championship. 

They are eagerly in the hunt for their first victory in the premier FIA category in the EcoBoost-powered Ford Ranger, having come tantalisingly close on several occasions but lucked out at the final hurdle.

Team-mates Lance Woolridge and Elvéne Vonk (234) are determined to make it to the finish and score valuable points after a disappointing non-finish in Dullstroom. The crew were leading the Mpumalanga 400 on day two but slid off the track in the slippery conditions and hit a tree which damaged their vehicle’s chassis, forcing them to retire.

“Our race-leading pace and podium finish at the Mpumalanga 400 bodes well for this year’s Desert Race, which poses the unique challenge of a three-day marathon race format covering almost 1 000 km. This makes it the longest and toughest event of the year, but a crucial one in the championship fight,” says Neil Woolridge, team principal of NWM. “We have done further testing and development of our T1+ Ranger since Dullstroom, and I’m confident that we will be even more competitive at the upcoming event.”

Qualifying

The T1 EcoBoost Rangers were very quick at last year’s Desert Race in Upington, with Lance and Elvéne finishing third after an exciting battle with their major title rivals. Gareth and Boyd were also on a charge, having set the fastest times in qualifying and on Sunday’s opening loop in the 2021 event. Unfortunately, they picked up several punctures on Saturday and had a drive belt failure within sight of the finish line on Sunday which set them back.

“Gareth and Boyd are more determined than ever to turn their impressive pace into a race victory, and it will be exciting to watch our two T1+ NWM Rangers in action,” Woolridge says.

The Desert Race kicks off with a 75 km Pirelli Qualifying race, starting at 12:00 on Friday June 24 at the race headquarters and designated service park (DSP), located at the Upington Expo Centre.

Identical

The action resumes on Saturday at 08:00 and comprises two identical loops of 200 km each, separated by a 30-minute mandatory service stop. According to the organisers, the route will be similar to last year with a mix of sandy tracks, mini dunes and gravel and rocky sections.

On Sunday the competitors will set off at 08:00 and tackle two loops of a different 200 km route comprising small dunes and sandy sections, once again split by the scheduled 30-minute service stop.

The NWM Ranger V8 remains the leading contender in Class T for lower-specification solid-axle vehicles. Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (T41) opened their 2022 campaign in Dullstroom with victory and an impressive ninth place in the overall results. However, Prinsloo subsequently sold his Ranger to X Rally Team, NWM’s long-standing customer team in Brazil, and will be focusing his efforts on the 2023 SARRC season.

Fight

This leaves second-place finishers at the Mpumalanga 400, Bernard and Minette Johnstone (T22), and Christo Rose/Arno Olivier (T58) who claimed the final step on the podium, to fight for the Desert Race win and overall Class T title this year.

Access to the DSP is free and unrestricted, and the competitors can be viewed at numerous easily accessible spectator points along the race route.

Follow all the action and track the position of the crews throughout each of the 2022 season’s races using the RallySafe app which can be downloaded free of charge for iOS and Android devices.

https://bit.ly/3Hlpnqg

Colin-on-Cars - Much expected at Lake Umuzi Rally

There is an air of expectation building ahead of this weekend’s rally double-header at Lake Umuzi with Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Guy Botterill and co-driver Simon Vacy-Lyle hoping to see their Starlet on the top step of the podium.

The promise shown in the opening two rounds of the 2022 South African National Rally Championship (NRC) held in the Western Cape last month were offset by teething problems that saw them unable to score meaningful points during either day of the event.

As such, the pair will be hunting for significant points at this weekend’s Lake Umuzi Rally, held in the area surrounding the Mpumalanga town of Secunda.

“The new car is clearly very fast, and we haven’t even tapped into its true potential yet,” says Botterill. “We’ve made a number of changes to the car since the last event, and we’re hoping for better reliability this time around.”

The Toyota Starlet rally car was fully built and developed in South Africa, and represents the Durban-based team’s first development of this nature. Despite their relative lack of experience in terms of designing and building a car from scratch, it was immediately evident at the Cape Overberg Rally they have built a highly competitive rally car.

“Now we just need to work on the reliability, which is to be expected with a completely new car,” continues Botterill. “We’ll be pushing hard to make up the ground we lost in the championship during the opening rally, but need to strike a balance between good results and ensuring that we finish both days of the event.”

The Lake Umuzi Rally will represent Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2022 SANRC, with the first round taking place on Friday, June 10. The second round follows on Saturday, utilising different stages.

https://bit.ly/3NDyJzZ