Colin-on-Cars - Peugeot bakkie makes a comeback

The Peugeot 404 pickup – or bakkie – was an iconic feature of the South African motoring scene but, as times changed and the French company withdrew operations from here, it also vanished except for some in collector’s garages.

Now, the bakkie returns as the Landtrek and available in 4x2 and 4x4 double cab guise, both powered by a 1,9-litre turbo-diesel engine that develops 110 kW thanks to a variable turbine geometry with 16 valves. With a torque of 350 Nm, Landtrek adapts to the prevailing terrain through Manual, Sport, or Eco modes.

For 4x4 versions, the rear differential is equipped with a mechanical rear differential lock providing extra traction when one wheel slips. The Borg-Warner Transfer case allows for easy transfer between 2-high, 4-high and 4-low modes with the simple turn of the rotary switch. The new Peugeot Landtrek 4x4 has a fording depth of  600 mm, approach angle of 29 degrees or 30 degrees (depending on version), departure angle of 27 degrees or 26 degrees (depending on version), break-over angle of 25 degrees and ground clearance up to 235 mm.

Peugeot is becoming increasingly global with the new Peugeot Landtrek, which enters the One-Ton Pick-Up segment with the goal of becoming a new benchmark in a market that represents around 300 000 annual sales units in the Middle East Africa region.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) account for more than 25% of the South African new vehicle market, making Landtrek a key launch for Peugeot in a key market.

South Africa certainly is an important market for Peugeot. The brand has opened 15 new dealerships in the past 18 months and boasts one of the freshest product ranges on the market today, with 80% of the passenger car range refreshed in the last year alone. Peugeot has launched the new 2008 in February (the 2021 South African Car of the Year), 3008 facelift in April, new 208 in May, and now Landtrek.

The Landtrek offers up to three tons of towing capacity and a payload that exceeds one ton.

A complete range of customised accessories for the new Peugeot Landtrek will be available in the Peugeot network, a key feature in the Pick-Up segment. In total, more than 28 dedicated accessories will be available.

The modularity of the rear bench seat in the Landtrek Double Cab adds versatility to the cabin, with the possibility of folding the backrest in 60/40 or 100%. In addition, the rear seat cushions can also tip-up in a 60/40 split to allow for numerous and flexible loading configurations.

When folded down, the backrests can support a load of up to 100 kg. In addition, two ISOFIX fasteners ensure the safety and docking of child seats.

The passenger compartment offers 1 550 mm shoulder room in row two and a knee space of at least 50 mm.

The new Peugeot Landtrek features advanced connectivity, automatic dual zone air-conditioning, 10-inch' HD touch screen compatible Apple CarPlay /Android Auto and 10 GB hard drive.

Safety is aided by six crash bags and an Electronic Stability Programme that includes Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Swing Control with Lane Departure Warning on the range-topping 4Action.

The headlamps are equipped with LED light signatures on both the front and rear and has rear reverse cameras and parking sensors. The off-road camera (in the passenger rear-view mirror) and 360 degree panoramic vision support the driver when negotiating obstacles or narrow lanes on the 4Action 4x4, further aided by additional front obstacle sensors.

The Peugeot Landtrek is covered by a 5-year/100 000 km Warranty and Service Plan with maintenance intervals every 10 000 km.

Pricing:

Allure Double Cab 4x2: R 579 900

4Action Double Cab 4x4: R 669 900

https://bit.ly/3D3QNhw

Colin-on-Cars - Renault Duster refreshed

Boasting more horizontal lines and a wider rear, the refreshed Renault Duster comes with an array of new colours and added tech features.

The Renault Duster is distinguished by exterior styling with refreshed exterior design cues, contemporary and more refined interior with distinct design accents within the cabin, superior quality finishes and a range of high-end equipment to ensure heightened comfort and superb driving pleasure, smart features inclusive of an improved Multimedia Rear-View Camera, newly designed 16-inch Alloys and 17-inch Diamond Cut wheels.

The new Renault Duster has a ground clearance of 210 mm and approach and departure angles of 30° high approach and 34° departure angles respectively, deeming it suitable for all terrain driving.

State-of-the-art equipment includes on-board GPS Navigation, and importantly wireless smartphone replication mirror compatibility, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

All models have anti-lock Braking  with EBD in conjunction with EBA,  rear Park Distance Control and Hill Start Assist.

It is available with  with two versions of the 1.5 dCi turbo-diesel engine - manual or EDC – across the various derivatives.

The Diesel 1.5 dCi 4x2’s engine has outputs of 66 kW and 210 Nm, while the 4x2 EDC and 4x4 Manual versions have outputs of 80 kW and 250 Nm and 260 Nm respectively.

As is standard across Renault’s entire product range, the Renault Duster Model range comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000 km intervals, and a standard 3-year/45 000 km service plan applies.

PRICING

- Duster 1.5 dCi Zen 4x2 R337,900

- Duster 1.5 dCi Zen EDC 4x2 R376,900

- Duster 1.5 dCi Zen 4x4 R376,900

- Duster 1.5 dCi Intens EDC 4x2 R384,900

https://bit.ly/31wCJiy

Colin-on-Cars - Staria pushes some boundaries

Certainly the new Hyundai Staria MPV is the most futuristic looking design gracing local roads but, a close look back at the H1 (which it replaces) will reveal hints of the design direction the Korean automaker was heading in, and now nails.

Whatever you might think of the look, the refreshing part is realising there are still designers prepared to be imaginative – and, with this, the Hyundai notion of building a vehicle ‘inside out’ makes a lot of sense.

This design philosophy starts with shaping and plotting the interior and then adding the ‘covering’ – the result the Staria that is available immediately in a 9-seat configuration but will eventually encompass the entire range from two to 11 seats and in panel van and multi-cab formats.

The Staria is initially launched in South Africa with three variants – the Luxury, Elite and Executive, with various seating configurations, features and trim levels.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Staria, which is a big step forward and represents Hyundai’s vision of future mobility – it gives real meaning to ‘next level’. Experiencing the superior ride quality, outstanding fit and finish and the comfort levels in the Staria proves how much Hyundai has developed as a global vehicle manufacturer and one of the top-rated automotive brands,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The exterior styling, according Hyundai, is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear — inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The Staria’s front has horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.

The Staria Luxury model features an exclusive tinted brass chrome treatment, applied to the Hyundai emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles to emphasize the vehicle’s premium and modern look.

The design theme carries over to the rear, featuring a wide window framed by elongated vertical tail lamps, with the Staria Luxury models receiving Hyundai’s Parametric Pixel lamp design and garnish on top. The rear bumper is lowered so passengers can easily load and unload cargo.

The Staria is driven through its front wheels by a 2,2-litre VGT turbo-diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 130 kW maximum power, and its torque output peaks at 430 Nm.

Hyundai Motor optimised the engine and transmission to achieve low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and a better shift sensation for high torque performance and improved acceleration. It also optimised the direct valve control body for increased hydraulic efficiency, the oil pump for fuel efficiency, and the gearbox’s multi-plate torque converter for control and fuel efficiency.

Mechanical upgrades also resulted in improved ride comfort thanks to the application of a multi-link suspension at the rear axle for the Luxury, Elite and Executive derivatives. The Staria Panel Van will use a rigid rear axle with leaf springs.

Looks and an engine with some decent grunt are one thing – does it match up on the road?

The launch run in KwaZulu-Natal was done in wet and soggy conditions and not ideal for pushing any limits but, the tourer in both Executive and Luxury trim levels was immediately impressive because of how quiet it was on the road and the massively improved ride comfort compared to outgoing H1.

Engine and gearbox are responsive and stopping performance – of which there was quite a lot considering how badly South African generally drive in the rain – impressive.

According to Hyundai, the Staria interior applies a simple and modest layout to highlight the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort, while staying faithful to its original value as an MPV.

“The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture. The vehicle’s lower beltlines and panoramic windows create a spacious, stimulating environment for all passengers.”

Let’s just say the driving position and seating comfort in both trim levels was easily adapted to suit my (lack of) size and reach – enough that it would have been to embark on a long-haul run knowing arrival at the other end would be without any discomfort or lower back or the like.

Up fron is an 8-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever for the Luxury and Elite versions. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Storage space is available on top of the overhead console in the Elite and Executive versions, bottom of the cluster, and top and bottom of the centre fascia. Both driver and passengers also have access to a centre console equipped with cup holders, USB ports and additional storage space for the Luxury derivative. The Elite and Executive versions have a middle seat in front, of which the seat back can tilt flat forward to provide cup holders and storage space for odds and ends.

The Staria Luxury offers a variety of additional interior features that will transform the passenger’s mobility experience. The 7-seat Premium model is equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically and have sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximize cargo space.

The 9-seat Luxury model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row. This makes the Staria Luxury ideal for corporate vehicles or mobile offices as passengers can turn their seats around and conduct meetings face to face. Families will also find these swivelling seats convenient as rear-facing passengers will have easy access to those seated in the third row. The premium feeling in the Luxury version is further enhanced by the Bose sound system.

Additionally, the Staria’s generous legroom is among the best in its segment and can be converted into expansive additional cargo space when all seats are pushed together — made possible by the long sliding seat function. Moreover, the full-flat mode applied to rear passenger seats of the Staria standard model makes this vehicle the perfect choice for activities that require a lot of room and interior flexibility, such as camping and sports where luggage space is needed for equipment.

The Staria has a 3 273 mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5 253 mm and width of 1 997 mm. Its overall height of 1 990 mm is useful for passengers to conveniently enter and exit the vehicle and is high enough for an average school-aged child to stand upright and move with ease.

“The Staria is not just reinterpreting spatiality, but also reimagining time spent in transit for the future. Designing for mobility isn’t about vehicle design. It’s about designing to accommodate a variety of lifestyles,” says SangYup Lee, senior vice president and head of Global Hyundai Design. “The Staria’s interior space and functionalities aim to transform how people experience in-car travel, optimizing journeys by making the most of time in transit.”

It offers six crash bags and all seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests. Safety is further bolstered by smart features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) in the top derivatives.

Additions in the Elite and Luxury versions include Safe Exit Assist (SEA) which prevents the door from opening in a situation where a passenger attempts to open the power sliding door while a rear-side vehicle is passing by, and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), which uses a radar sensor to detect and alert the driver if a rear passenger is left in the car after exiting the vehicle.

A most useful item in Luxury derivative shows an image in the 10,2-inch Supervision instrument cluster in front of the driver, replacing either the rev counter (for right turn) or speedometer (left turn) momentarily with a real-time rear-view image.

Hyundai’s smart infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display is fitted to all derivatives and is equipped with a wide-angle camera rear park assist camera, aided by park warning sensors in both front and rear bumpers. In the Luxury version the screen also displays a bird’s eye view of the car and its surroundings when reversing the Staria.

Pricing

The Hyundai Staria range at its launch in South Africa, with its suggested retail prices, consists of:

Staria R2.2 Executive 9-seater R 789 900

Staria R2.2 Executive 11-seater R 799 900

Staria R2.2 Elite 9-seater R 959 900

Staria R2.2 Luxury 9-seater R 1099 900

A 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance for 7-years or 150 000 km are included in the price for all derivatives. The Luxury version also comes standard with 7-year/105 000 km service plan included in the retail price, while the Elite and Executive have a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

https://bit.ly/3CYbMlF

Colin-on-Cars - Ford unbundles service plans

Ford South Africa is to unbundle all the Ford Protect Service Plan costs from the price of new vehicles with effect from November 1 in terms of the new Automotive Aftermarket Guidelnines that were established in response to the successful public cmapaign called ‘Right to Repair’.

Accordingly, in line with the guidelines, customers that purchase a new Ford vehicle from  November 1 are able to purchase a Ford Protect Service Plan separately, should they wish to do so, as has been the case with the optional comprehensive Ford Protect maintenance plans and extended warranties.

Furthermore, customers that choose not to purchase a Ford Protect service or maintenance plan have the option of servicing at a Ford franchised dealer. Servicing at a Ford dealer guarantees quality workmanship using factory-trained and certified technicians, genuine Ford parts and lubricants, and access to the latest diagnostic equipment.

“We are committed to delivering the very best products, services and customer experiences, and are focused on treating each customer as part of the Ford family,” says Neale Hill, President, Ford Motor Company Africa. “Ford is acutely aware of consumers’ growing desire and right to choose where they wish to service, maintain or repair their vehicles.

“As a result, we have been working to implement the systems and processes necessary to unbundle the Ford Protect service plans,” Hill says. “It has taken some time to deal with the complexities of unbundling the service plans from the price of the vehicle, but we have now implemented the changes and customers can choose to purchase these separately when buying a new Ford.

“Customers have the option of selecting where to service their vehicle, but it’s important that they familiarise themselves with the guidelines,” Hill explains. “For example, if you choose to service your vehicle outside of the Ford dealer network while you have a Ford Protect Service Plan in place, Ford is not obliged to pay the Independent Service Providers (ISP) for any services rendered. The ISP cost will be for your own account - and although the Ford warranty remains in place, should there be a failure as a result of the parts used or the workmanship of the ISP, that portion of the repair may not be covered by the Ford warranty.”

Customers should note that only Ford dealers are authorised to conduct recall repairs on Ford vehicles, which are performed at no cost to the owner. Similarly, factory warranty repairs may only be performed by a Ford dealer.

While the Service Plan is now an added-cost option, the vehicle’s standard original equipment manufacturer (OEM) warranty remains in place. The Ford Protect package on all new Ford vehicles comprises a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.

Should a customer choose to use an ISP for the service and maintenance of their vehicle, the standard warranty will not be affected. However, if there is a failure as a result of a part or the workmanship, that portion of the repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Services also need to be done according to the manufacturer’s applicable service intervals.

“Guaranteeing the quality of work done and the parts used on what are increasingly sophisticated vehicles is essential in delivering the best ownership experience,” Hill states. “This is part of Ford’s commitment to ensuring that the reliability, durability and safety of the vehicle meets the needs and expectations of our customers.”

Ford Protect Service Plans, Maintenance Plans and Extended Warranties are fully backed by Ford Motor Company, which gives the customer peace of mind that all work on their car is performed to the highest standard, and that all workmanship and parts are guaranteed.

https://bit.ly/2ZV3Jra

Colin-on-Cars - Auto market showing growth

Strikes and load shedding took a toll on new vehicle sales last month but the market still managed to grow by 6,1% compared to October last year, according to figures released by  naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.

Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in October 2021, at 41 035 units, reflected an increase of 2 341 units, or 6,1%, from the 38 694 vehicles sold in October last year. Export sales recorded a decline of 10 159 units, or 30,0%, to 23 685 units last month compared to the 33 844 vehicles exported in October 2020. 

Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 41,035 vehicles, an estimated 33 842 units, or 82,5%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 14,0% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 2,1% sales to government, and 1,4% to industry corporate fleets. 

The October 2021 new passenger car market at 27,496 units registered an increase of 815 cars, or a gain of 3,1%, compared to the 26 681 new cars sold in October 2020. The car rental industry supported the new passenger car market during the month and accounted for a sound 18,2% of car sales in October 2021.

Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses at 11,188 units during October 2021recorded an increase of 1 535 units, or a gain of 15,9%, from the 9 653 light commercial vehicles sold during October 2020.  

Sales for medium and heavy truck segments of the industry reflected a mixed performance and at 576 units and 1 775 units, respectively, showed a decline of 97 units, or 14,4% in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses an increase of 88 vehicles, or a gain of 5,2%, compared to the corresponding month last year. 

The sigh of relief with the country’s move to adjusted alert level 1 from October 2021 was short-lived due to the adverse events that occurred during the month, including the three-week strike in the steel and engineering sector as well as businesses having to endure several days of rolling blackouts during the month ahead of the local government elections.

In addition to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions resulting in vessel and container shortages consequently resulting in higher logistics costs, load shedding remained an area of great concern impacting on the ability of the industry to plan and grow. On the positive side, respondents to the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index remained upbeat about an improvement in business conditions over the next six months. 

“The new vehicle market appears to be recovering strongly, demand out-stripping current supply constraints,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. “The second half of the year has performed strongly since the mid-year lockdown restrictions, with the market trading above 40m000 units a month for the past three months.”

WesBank’s own data indicates a resurgence in the South African motor industry. 

“While we have seen high demand for pre-owned vehicles over the last two years, a slow shift back towards new vehicles may be currently underway,” says Gaoaketse. “Compared to a year ago, WesBank’s new applications rose 1,8% during October, while applications for pre-owned deals declined 5,9%. In addition, the bank’s used-to-new ratio has shifted over the 12-month period from 2,25 used vehicles financed for every new vehicle a year ago, to 2,08.”

However, the issue of supply is a global factor that skews the overall market picture. 

“Until global manufacturing stabilises off the back of the pandemic and resolves its micro-chip shortages, consumer and business purchase decisions will be swayed by availability and necessity,” says Gaoaketse. “The good news is that South African car dealers are in a much more sustainable position than a year ago.”

naamsa also confirmed that Neale Hill who was recently appointed President of Ford Motor Company Africa, from October 01 this year was elected unopposed as the new naamsa President for a two year term.

“naamsa is increasingly playing an indispensable transformative role that contributes directly to the sustainable development of the country’s productive economy.

“I am very pleased to lead our country’s automotive industry in this capacity as we accelerate our role as a major industrial and economic force that adds real value every day, by providing mobility; facilitating trade; creating sustainable jobs; moving people, goods and services; and by serving communities and creating prosperity for the people of South Africa”, says Hill.

https://bit.ly/3w9qjbM

Colin-on-Cars: Road Review - Toyota Urban Cruiser Xs and Xr

Introduced in March this year, Toyota’s Urban Cruiser consistently racks up just short of 1 000 new units every month but tends – in conversation – to be referred to in the singular, even though there are model grades and a choice of manual or automatic.

So, this review takes a look at the 1.5 Xs manual and the 1.5 Xr auto – not as a ‘shootout’ but more a reflection on the options available to buyers in the small SUV space. The Urban Cruiser is the second product of the Toyota-Suzuki alliance (following the Starlet) and I leave any comparisons in that sphere out of the contest of this exercise.

As a mid-range model, the Xs boasts keyless-entry with push start, power windows all round, tilt-adjustable steering, power-adjustable mirrors, LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as standard.

The exterior features alloy wheels, roof rails, body-coloured door handles, power-retractable mirrors and rear window wiper with demister function.

Occupants are not left out of the equation, with auto air-conditioning, a secondary glove compartment, rear armrest and 60:40 split backrest. Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) and reverse camera, offer drivers additional peace of mind.

At R277 300 this variant has an impressive specification offering, considering the top-of-the-range Xr gains LED fog lamps, automatic headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, dual 12-volt power outlets, front armrest, leather steering wheel, two tweeter speakers, glove box illumination, a cooled storage compartment, map reading and front foot well lights, as well as luggage compartment illumination.

What the Xr gains falls into the ‘nice-to-have’ luxury bracket while the Xs sticks to absolute vitals – the add-on price for the flagship around R49 500.

Seated behind the wheel, the differences are not that noticeable and in both cases the workspace is comfortable, neatly packaged and everything the driver needs logically laid out and close to hand while, just as important, forward and side vision is clear.

Xs interior

Even for those not so vertically challenged, there is ample leg and headroom in the cabin to provide a proper driving position, whether going ‘stick’ or just the two-pedal version.

Both have a touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing smartphone connectivity. Text and messaging-service messages can be read out to the user, with speech-to-text functionality ensuring safe communication while driving. Bluetooth, Aux and USB inputs are also catered for.

The black fabric seats feature a honeycomb pattern, with the rest of the interior finished off in hard-wearing black, featuring a textured pattern. Large door pockets, glove compartment and additional oddment binnacles provide convenient storage spaces.

Xr interior

The big visual difference between the two options is on the outside where the Xr can be specified with bi-tone paint options. Other than that, they both have the identical large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and centred Toyota badge flanked by chrome accent strips and LED projector headlamps.

Also, both are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 215-60-R16 tyres with a full-size spare wheel in the boot.

The Urban Cruiser is powered by a 1,5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 77 kW and 138 Nm and, while Toyota claims fuel consumption of 6,2 l/100 km, my test cycle showed the manual at 6,4 l/100 km and the auto at 6,7 l/100 km.

Not a huge amount to choose from and much of the buying decision will likely come down to the convenience of the auto in heavy traffic conditions versus the joy of driving with the manual option.

The two models share a traditional McPherson strut front suspension layout, with a Torsion Beam design in the rear so ride comfort, road manners along with wind, tyre and road noise are identical and, perhaps, a tad above the average for the class of vehicle.

The Urban Cruiser is just that, a runabout designed for city life. While fully capable on the longer journeys, it does struggle a bit on steeper inclines and runs out of breath quite quickly when pushed hard. That said, it is quite lively and responsive to directional changes.

The safety and security specs include anti-lock braking and EBD, side protection beams, driver and passenger crash bags and ISOFIX. An alarm and immobiliser system are also included.

All Urban Cruiser models are sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15 000 km

https://bit.ly/3nJzonL

Colin-on-Cars - Tight finish in Vryburg off-road race

A scant four seconds separated the top two finishers in the Vryburg 400, penultimate round of the 2021 South African Cross-Country Series (SACCS) with Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings taking the flag ahead of the Ford Castrol Cross Country Team’s Lance Woolridge and Elvéne Vonk.

“It was a really tight race today,” said Lategan after reaching the Designated Service Point (DSP) outside Vryburg after the race. “At times we managed to extend our lead, but two punctures in the second loop ensure a very tight finish.”

The pair started their weekend by posting the fourth-fastest time on the Friday’s qualifying race. They strategically managed their pace over the 40 km loop, and ended up in a very good road position for the Saturday’s main event.

In the end, the Toyota Gazoo Racing crew reported a clean run, other than the two punctures in the second loop. The Class FIA Toyota Hilux didn’t miss a beat, and Lategan/Cummings are overjoyed to have added to their overall points lead with just one round to go. For Cummings, the result in Vryburg sealed the overall 2021 co-driver’s championship in the Production Category.

At the same time, teammates Shameer Variawa and Danie Stassen recorded a strong fifth place finish, after suffering a single puncture during the latter part of the race.

Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dennis Murphy continued the development and testing of the team’s new GR DKR Hilux T1+ prototype during the Vryburg 400. The new car cannot score points in the championship, as the SACCS currently doesn’t make provision for this class of vehicle. Even so, the team received special dispensation to use the race as a test, and the team made the most of the opportunity.

“We have been refining a number of components and settings on the car,” explained De Villiers. “A lot of work is still going into the damper setup, and today’s race gave us some very clear data to work with.”

In the Class T championship, brothers Johan and Werner Horn flew the flag for Toyota, by not only winning the qualifying race, but also the main event. The defending champions found themselves on the back foot after failing to score points during the previous two rounds, but redeemed themselves with a resounding victory in Vryburg. The Malalane Toyota lads may not win the title in 2021, but they’re certainly making themselves count.

The Ford Castrol Ranger crew conquered the demanding and ever-changing conditions without a single puncture, which was a remarkable feat unmatched by their rivals – made all the more challenging due to heavy rain showers on Friday, followed by tricky mud and water sections on Saturday’s first 180 km loop, and mostly dry conditions on the second loop.

The trio of front-runners, who also lead the overall Production Vehicle and FIA-class points tables, kept their teams and the enthusiastic fans on edge as the positions changed regularly on the opening loop. Heading into the 30-minute service, it was Lategan/Cummings ahead of the Ford Castrol Ranger of Woolridge/Vonk by 1 min 23 sec, with the Century crew in third.

On the final loop, the battle intensified even further, and although the positions ultimately remained unchanged at the finish line, the top two crews were separated by just 4 seconds in the end after nearly five hours of racing.

“It was a fantastic race,” Lance said. “The car was faultless, the team did an awesome job and Elvéne was perfect the whole race, but in the end, it was just four seconds that separated us from the win, which is a bit frustrating. However, it was a really enjoyable race, and we had a good time out there.

“The championship is still alive, but it’s going to be a tough last race,” Lance added. “Parys is a rough event with lots of rocks and technical terrain, and we will need to aim for the win to remain in contention. But anything is possible, and we’ll throw everything at it.”

Team-mates Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (377) just missed out on the podium, scoring their second fourth-place finish in a row. The young pair had the arduous and unenviable task of being drawn first for Friday’s 42 km prologue, which resulted in them opening the road and losing considerable time, ending eight overall.

However, they were on a charge for Saturday’s main race, making the most of the damp conditions and limited dust to fight their way up to an impressive fourth place after the first loop – a position they held through to the finish despite picking up a puncture on the second loop.

In the Class T championship, current points leaders and Vryburg residents Malcolm and Frans Kock (T4) did their title aspirations a world of good by continuing their impressive run of podium finishes with second place at their home event in the V8-powered NWM Ford Ranger, behind winners Johan and Werner Horn (Toyota).

They were joined on the podium by another of the local NWM-supported privateers, Christo Rose and Arno Olivier, while the Ford Neil Woolridge Motorsport Development Team of Bapi Rubuluza and Fanifani Meyiwa (T49) notched up another solid finish in fourth place.

For Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (T41) it was a miserable weekend, as they picked up numerous punctures throughout the race and eventually finished fifth – which dented their challenge for the 2021 Class T championship.

It’s all to play for in the overall Production Vehicle, FIA-class and Class T championship titles at the season finale: the Parys 400, on November  20, 2021.

https://bit.ly/3bvXtZv

Colin-on-Cars - Pressure eased

Car buyers on the waiting list for a Suzuki Jimny can take heart as the first consignment of models has arrived from the Gurgaon Plant in India along with the announcement GL manual and automatic models will join the range early next year.

The Gurgaon Plant plant recently started assembling the Jimny from 100% Japanese-sourced parts and components for delivery to markets in the Southern Hemisphere and the Caribbean.

The heavily automated Gurgaon Plant is the third-largest manufacturing facility in Suzuki’s global network, accounting for more than 700 000 of the Japanese brand’s 2,25-million production capacity in India.

“When Japan announced it will assemble the Jimny at its massive Gurgaon plant, we, our dealers and our customers sighed a collective sigh of relief.

“The Jimny has become extremely popular among both urban adventurers and overland enthusiasts, and demand has always outstripped supply. While we may not be able to satisfy demand in full every month, the new source will allow us to deliver units quicker and with greater flexibility,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The new GL models share the same drivetrain as the GA and GLX models, including the ladder frame chassis and transfer case with low range 4x4 abilities, but adds a number of luxuries over the GA model.

These luxuries include:

- Power windows

- Electrically operated mirrors

- Alloy wheels

- Steering wheel audio controls

- Bluetooth connected audio system

- Remote central locking

- A comprehensive 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.

Following closely behind the first consignment of Indian-built Suzuki models will be a special Jimny Rhino Edition Kit.

The kit will be available on all grades of the Jimny when launched in the first quarter of 2022 and it resurrects the well-known Jimny Rhino logomark.

The Rhino logomark first appeared on the Suzuki SJ-series (the second-generation Jimny) exactly 40 years ago.

The Rhino was penned by a young designer, Osamu Namba, in 1981. Namba wanted to capture ‘the rugged strength, robust appearance, charging momentum, solidity and dynamic power’ of the Jimny.

He sketched the ‘Jimny Rhino’ in three dimensions by making the hind legs shorter than those in front and by drawing armour. It points to the left, to emphasise the contrarian spirit of the Jimny that has kept its compact dimensions and off-road drivetrain, while many other off roaders became bloated and soft.

“We will celebrate the 40th birthday of our beloved Jimny Rhino with a special Jimny Rhino Edition Kit, which will be available on all grades from early 2022,” says Carpenter.

The Rhino Edition adds the following design elements to a Jimny:

- Exclusive Rhino decals

- A Rhino-branded soft spare wheel cover

- The Suzuki Heritage grille

- Red Suzuki mud flaps

- Rain and wind deflectors

https://bit.ly/3GLCT67

Colin-on-Cars - Lexus goes rock 'n roll

Fast cars and rock ‘n roll have always been synonymous with each other with the ‘go-to’ guitar of the genre, the Fender Stratocaster, having been responsible for belting out many a car-related tune over the years – ‘Little Red Corvette’ and ‘Mustang Sally’ among them.

Now, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s (FMIC) Fender Custom Shop (FCS) has announced the launch of a limited-edition Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster, the newest custom-built piece from Principal Master Builder, Ron Thorn – only 100 of which will be released globally.

“Collaborating with Lexus to conceptualise, design and build the Fender® Lexus LC Stratocaster has been an incredible ride,” said Mike Lewis, Vice President of Product Development, Fender Custom Shop. “The process our team took to design this Strat has certainly been a labour of love, as well as a source of inspiration and excitement around the shop. Our team is constantly building innovative products and this launch is another great representation of craftsmanship and creativity at Fender.”

The Stratocaster guitar includes an omnidirectional Structural Blue finish, a spectral range that produces light metallic blue to deep midnight blue that was originally inspired by the Morpho butterfly.

The paint on the Stratocaster guitar is the same paint that was used on the Lexus LC 500 coupé and convertible Inspiration Series, of which only a limited number of units were produced for many markets- including South Africa a couple of years ago. 

Structural blue paint brings to life the rich curvature of the LC 500 body, and now the guitar body. The paint does not contain any blue material - it looks blue only because of the interference of light. Layers of colourless materials come together to generate the ultimate colour, hence the name ‘structural’.

The neck is fashioned from 3A flame maple and finished in high-gloss urethane, imparting a hint of Fender wood working tradition in contrast with the instrument’s other advanced visual elements. The fingerboard is made of deep-blue polished Richlite, a composite material known for its tonal properties, structural stability, and resistance to wear and moisture, and used by the Fender Custom Shop for the first time.

The fingerboard has a flatter 12-inch radius and 22 medium-jumbo stainless-steel frets. On darkened stages, the white Luminlay fingerboard inlays glow in vivid blue.

To top it off, the headstock face is finished in Structural Blue with a chrome Fender logo while the custom case is wrapped in carbon fibre textured vinyl, with black leather ends and the Lexus logo embroidered inside the lid.

“Fender is a legendary brand that has made an indelible mark in the world of music.  As such, Lexus is honoured to team with them in the development of this unique guitar that highlights our brand’s unique design cues and Structural Blue paint technology,” says Brian Bolain, General Manager of Lexus International. “With such a partnership, our hope is to raise the awareness of the elevated level of craft shared by the Fender Custom Shop and Lexus as both strive to create a more personal experience for their customers.” 

https://bit.ly/3moKD5w

Colin-on-Cars - Powered by straw

Biofuel created from waste straw has kicked up the search for alternative energy a notch by powering a Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid across Iceland in a single stint – some 733 kilometres.

The fuel used conforms to the same EN228 standard as ordinary pump fuel, yet is created entirely from waste biomass (eg straw) at no cost to food production or the natural ecosystem. The combination of this fuel and the Flying Spur Hybrid’s intelligent electrified powertrain meant an overall reduction of 45% in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheels basis over the course of the adventure.

Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, Matthias Rabe, says: “With the launch of the Flying Spur Hybrid we now have a hybrid range at Bentley, and with this challenge we’ve proved the real benefit of a hybrid – the ability to have an unimpeded grand touring reach of more than 720 kilometres, while still having usable electric-only range for urban environments.

“It’s truly the best of both worlds, especially when the use of innovative second generation biofuel means a huge drop in CO2 emissions. We’ll continue working with such fuels in the coming months as part of our development process, with the end goal of a customer-facing solution.”

The 100% renewable, second generation biofuel was developed by Coryton, who is supporting Bentley in renewable fuel research. The production process sees waste biomass broken down using fermentation, leading to the creation of ethanol. Dehydration of the ethanol converts it to ethylene, which can then be transformed into gasoline through the process of oligomerisation – chaining short hydrocarbon molecules together to produce longer, more energy-dense ones.

The electricity used by the car’s hybrid system during the journey was sourced from Iceland’s 100%t renewable grid. Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy production; 75% of the country’s electrical energy is produced via Hydroelectric and 25% from geothermal power.

The powertrain combines a 2,9-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 394 kW and 750 Nm  of torque - an additional 69 kW in comparison to the Bentayga Hybrid. The latest hybrid model gives little away to the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, passing 100 km/hh from a standstill in 4,3 seconds.

To provide further feedback to the driver, the driver instruments include additional information showing when the car is operating solely in EV drive, regenerating whilst deaccelerating or using the combustion engine.

Inside the cabin, the automatic Start-Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey.

EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience. This is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys.

The flow of energy can also be displayed via the infotainment screen where statistics can be seen and the timers for charging of the vehicle can be set. Additional e-motion information is available to the driver via the instrument panel, heads up display and centre screen, including range, battery level and charging information.

Bentley Motors has outlined plans to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility with further details of its Beyond100 strategy. With the promise to offer truly sustainable luxury, Bentley will reinvent every aspect of its business to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation as it embarks on its second century.

https://bit.ly/3blDQmV