Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i CAR

We don’t always make it easy for ourselves at CAR, not when an issue includes tests of 10 new vehicles (and a Vespa). Formal road testing is a serious business at South Africa’s oldest motoring media brand (we’re the sole local outlet that tests vehicles this extensively), so thought I’d let you in on what exactly transpires during the two weeks a press car spends in the CAR garage. When a new model – let’s use that BMW 320d on the cover as an example – arrives at our offices, usually delivered by a fleet manager tasked with running a manufacturer’s press and marketing convoy, it’s rigorously checked for damage before being signed in. By this stage, I would have allocated the 320d to an editorial team member who’s responsible…

Reader Sadiyya Mosam wins a 12-month subscription to CAR magazine, SA’s leading motoring title, for their emotive letter. FOUR GREAT ADVANTAGES OF A CAR SUBSCRIPTION: 1. Stay current by never missing an issue of your favourite magazine. 2. A free digital subscription is included. 3. Enjoy the luxury of home delivery. 4. You get the magazine before it goes on sale. A subscriber already? Extend yours by a further 12 months, or give it to a friend or relative.…

AUDI AI:ME This compact EV design study delves into the future of autonomous urban motoring, with level four autonomy allowing it to negotiate myriad driving conditions between 40 and 70 km/h. There are also suggestions its dashing design could point to a revival of the quirky but forward-thinking A2 hatch. VOLKSWAGEN I.D ROOMZZ The latest member of VW’s I.D electric-vehicle family is a seven-seater AWD SUV with an operating range of up to 450 km. Like the AI:ME, it’s capable of low-speed autonomous driving, making its spacious cabin more lounge than cockpit. The AI:ME design study boasts level four autonomous capability, allowing it to negotiate myriad driving conditions on its own…

Medwakh pipe in calfskin case Price: R24 200* www.maybach-luxury.com While we certainly don’t condone smoking, we simply can’t resist the fine craftmanship of this Arabian-inspired medwakh pipe. Justifying the five-figure price tag, Maybach promises it will impress even the most discerning pipe connoisseur. Keeping this piece safe is a calfskin leather pouch which also holds a cleaner and tobacco. Maybach says it will impress even the most discerning pipe connoisseur…

Formula One recently celebrated the running of its 1 000th championship race. The fact that the occasion fell on the Chinese Grand Prix was unfortunate; a bit like the Queen reviewing Trooping the Colour [a ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies] on the dockside at a container port rather in London’s Horse Guards Parade. Despite boasting substantial space and interesting challenges as a racetrack, Shanghai International Circuit is hardly noted for its majesty and depth of tradition. F1 did its best with memorabilia in the shape of cars and racing paraphernalia dotted around the vast paddock but somehow the moment failed to generate the respect it deserved. And the struggle to find fervour was exacerbated by debate over the accuracy of the countdown to race number…

Apart from being a homologation production run (only one racecar remains; fortunately, it’s in South Africa), these road cars were made lighter to improve performance. Panels were drilled to remove mass – a technique used by a number of manufacturers during this era – and the holes were visible all over. Only 110 units of the Type 1 were produced in 1976 (this is one of them), followed by 117 units of Type 2 in 1977. The factory tweaked the 3,0-litre, inline six-cylinder engine, resulting in 147 kW and 277 N.m. It offered a claimed top speed of 208 km/h and 0-100 km/h was reached in 9,30 seconds (CAR achieved 9,20 seconds during our road test in January 1977). These racing cars won three championships in three years.…

The F-Pace SVR’s electronic active differential, sitting between its rear wheels, is a new piece of hardware for Jaguar’s SVO team in as much as its gearing and tuning differ from those of any E-diff the firm has used before. So says SVO’s dynamics manager, David Pook; although he also says the software calibration for components such as this is now a more decisive factor in defining how they influence a car’s handling than anything else. It’s part of a four-wheel-drive system that, according to Pook, was a year in the tuning and which helps make the car handle particularly well on choppy roads. “That’s where the car really excels,” he says. “Delivering a performance SUV is a proper challenge,” Pook says. “They’re much harder to position than sportscars. Getting…

Audi RS5 Sportback Quattro Tiptronic Unique in terms of its packaging, the benefit of the hatchback tailgate is class-leading packing space and impressive versatility. 0-100 km/h in 3,96 seconds! price: R1 312 000 cyl/capac: 6/2 894 cm3 power: 331 kW/5 700-6 700 r/min torque: 600 N.m/1 900-5 000 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 3,96 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 10,92 L/100 km luggage capac: 376/1 000 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mercedes-AMG C63 S 9G-tronic A similar claimed 0-100 km/h figure to the Audi, yet certainly not as easy to achieve with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Also hugely expensive by comparison. price: R1 560 136 cyl/capac: 8/3 982 cm3 power: 375 kW/5 500-6 250 r/min torque: 700 N.m/1 750-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/R 0-100…

Suzuki Ertiga 1,5 GL Logically thought out, the Ertiga offers a lively 1,5-litre engine. It is also spacious, economical and well built, and represents unbeatable value for money in this small segment. price: R239 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 462 cm3 power: 77/6 000 r/min torque: 138/4 400 r/min gears/drive: 5/F 0-100 km/h: 11,65 sec top speed: 175 km/h fuel index: 6,60 L/100 km luggage capac: 152-408/1 568 L serv/maint plan: S4/60 000 km Honda BR-V 1,5 Trend Those with SUV aspirations might be drawn to the Honda, with its more rugged styling. While it may be practical, the omission of a standard service plan and higher pricing see it playing second fiddle to the Ertiga. price: R258 800 cyl/capac: 4/1 497 cm3 power: 88/6 600 r/min torque: 145/4 600 r/min gears/drive:…

BMW M140i Sport Steptronic The pricey M140i is in the final stages of its lifecycle but this rear-wheel-drive, six-cylinder combination still offers a driving experience unlike any other in this class. price: R720 540 cyl/capac: 6/2 998 cm3 power: 250 kW/5 500 r/min torque: 500 N.m/1 520-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 8/R 0-100 km/h: 5,30 sec top speed: 255 km/h fuel index: 8,50 L/100 km luggage capac: 216/832 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Audi S3 Sportback 2,0T FSI S tronic Utilising the same parts as the Golf R, the S3 is a more premium package in terms of interior quality and a standard maintenance plan. Does feel softer-edged, though. price: R671 000 cyl/capac: 4/1 984 cm3 power: 228 kW/5 500 r/min torque: 400 N.m/2 000-5 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100…

Ford Ranger DC 3,2 TDCi XLT 6MT 4x4 It produces more power and torque than the others and the engine is proven, too. Larger cabin, great standard specification and better on-road manners seal the deal. price: R604 800 cyl/capac: 5/3 198 cm3 power: 147/3 000 r/min torque: 470/1 500-2 750 r/min gears/drive: 6x2/2-4 0-100 km/h: n/a top speed: n/a fuel index: 10,32 L/100 km pay load: 896 kg serv/maint plan: S6/90 000 km Toyota Hilux DC 2,8 GD-6 4x4 Raider Here we have chosen the manual version of the 130 kW 2,8-litre. It is favoured by many for the superior dealer support but is also the most expensive here. Resale value is tops. price: R616 600 cyl/capac: 4/2 755 cm3 power: 130/3 400 r/min torque: 420/1 400-2 600 r/min gears/drive: 6x2/2-4 0-100…

The future of mobility is upon us and Piaggio has joined the fray with its first electric Vespa. The R150 000 Elettrica looks fantastic with its blue trim on the bodywork and wheels, enough to stand out from its oily siblings. Apps are now a part of daily life: your phone connects to the instrumentation as well as a charging facility. Eco and power modes can be selected but there isn’t much difference, as maximum speed is limited to 50 km/h, although the range is a practical 100 km. This is in line with European laws which are continuously being updated to keep up with electric bicycles/skateboard-size scooters/riding-licence requirements and helmet attire. There is regenerative braking in a choice of settings, supported by a front-disc, rear-drum setup. Thanks to the…

Email: car@ramsaymedia.co.za (add “Technical” to the subject line) Mail: CAR, PO Box 180, Howard Place, 7450 PASSENGER SEAT TOO LOW I purchased a Kia Sportage 1,7 CRDi towards the end of last year and am very happy with the vehicle, especially the consumption of below 6,0 L/100 km. There is one frustrating aspect to the vehicle, though, and that is the front-passenger seat which cannot adjust for height. It does not help the seat squab slopes heavily towards the rear of the vehicle. My wife is fairly short and can barely see over the dash. I have been to a Kia dealership but they have offered no resolution to the problem. Any advice would be appreciated. DION FROUWS Tzaneen Interestingly, we found the same annoyance with our identical  long-term Sportage…

Fastest FWD car to date: 2017 VW Golf GTI Clubsport S manual (1:24,60) The Cup derivative is the Mégane RS to own of the current two-model range (the Trophy arrives in August). The larger wheels, firmer suspension (by 20% versus the Lux) and mechanical limited-slip differential allow enthusiastic drivers to indulge in the performance on offer from the turbocharged 1,8-litre engine. That was confirmed when racing driver Deon Joubert set a time of 1:27,30 seconds at Killarney in the Cup, a full 1,6 seconds faster than the Lux tested in October 2018. This makes the Cup the quickest Renault we’ve timed, beating the 2012 Renault Mégane RS Trophy’s time of 1:27,45. Deon was pleased: “The mechanical limited-slip diff makes a notable difference, plus it assists with the steering. The four-wheel-steer…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before 28 April 2019. Readers should check with a dealer before making a decision. • The HP payment calculations are based on a 10% deposit, current prime interest rate and a 60-month repayment period with no residual at the end. • Under ENGINE we list the number of cylinders and the cubic capacity in cm3 . Here, V = V-shaped engine layout; H = horizontally-opposed engine layout; The absence of an initial symbol implies an in-line engine layout. • FUEL SUPPLY abbreviations are P = petrol-engined; D = diesel-engined; T = turbocharged, a compressor driven by exhaust gases; S = supercharged, a compressor driven by the engine; P/H = petrol-hybrid and…

Please include your physical address and telephone number. Diverse ideas and opinions are welcome but publication of your letter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree. Please stick to a maximum of 300 words. CAR reserves the right to edit and shorten letters owing to space constraints. POA CARS I’ve been an avid reader of CAR for the past 20 years. After purchasing the latest issue, I realised the list of luxury vehicles showing “POA” in the price column is growing. Do these car manufacturers believe that only wealthy readers, who can afford to buy these cars, are worthy of seeing the price, or do they flatly refuse to give you the price of even the cheapest model for ordinary readers to see? Is their prevailing attitude still, “If you have to…

Hidden away in the sugarcane fields south of Durban, I’m shown inside a building which appears a bit dilapidated from the outside. The inside is the exact opposite; a sea of red greets me. A separate building houses this collector’s (who requested anonymity) limited-edition models and arguably one of the largest horde of Ferrari model cars in the country. As the owner tells me, “Once a Ferrari enters through these doors, it never leaves.” The interior of the main garage has been designed to resemble a quintessential Italian street; cars are parked on either side, windows and house details are painted on the walls and genuine street lamps add to the character. There is even a pizza kitchen where friends and family gather to watch Formula One races. The collectable…

Price: R2 156 700 Engine: 4,4-litre, V8, twinturbo-petrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 390 kW @ 5 500-6 000 r/min Torque: 750 N.m @ 1 800-4 600 r/min 0-100 km/h: 4,1 seconds* Top speed: 250 km/h* Fuel consumption: 9,6 L/100 km* CO2 : 218 g/km Rivals: Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Lexus LS + grand styling and presence; relative dynamic ability - modern infotainment technologies can frustrate A status symbol, by definition, is a luxury item purchased with the intention of projecting your social position or standing, as well as financial footing. A common theme among such symbols is the prominence of the brand’s label emblazoned on that item. In most cases, the larger and shinier the logo, the better. The diameter of the roundel positioned atop a 40% larger kidney grille on the updated…

The Mini Owners Club of Southern Africa (MOCSA) was founded in 1989 by the late Laurie leRoy, an enthusiast who owned several Minis over the years. From the very start, membership of the club was to the advantage of Mini owners, including reduced insurance premiums, assistance with technical information, parts and social events. Over the years, MOCSA has provided members with extensive restoration information, details regarding Mini workshops and valuation certificates for classic Minis. A recent highlight of the club’s busy events schedule was 2015’s seven-day Mini Miglia Tour which started from Gauteng heading all the way to the Southern Cape Old Car Show in George, including the spectacular Swartberg Pass. The convoy included seven classic Minis that completed approximately 2 900 km. An upcoming event includes the second Mini…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 87,5/103,4 mm Cubic capacity: 2 487 cm3 Compression ratio: 13,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 152 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 600/6 600 r/min Max torque: 243 N.m Torque peak: 4 000-5 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear /2nd gear: 5,25/3,03 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,95/1,46 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,22/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,81/0,67 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,01 to 1 Final drive: 3,18 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 305 mm ventilated discs Rear: 282 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Bridgestone Atenza…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel Bore/stroke: 84,0/90,0 mm Cubic capacity: 1 995 cm3 Compression ratio: 16,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 140 kW Power peak/Red line: 4 000/5 000 r/min Max torque: 400 N.m Torque peak: 1 750-2 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear /2nd gear: 5,25/3,36 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,17/1,72 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,32/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,82/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,71 to 1 Final drive: 2,81 to 1 Drive wheels: rear Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 348 mm ventilated discs Rear: 345 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make:…

Volkswagen Golf 1,0 TSI Comfortline On the eve of the Golf 8’s introduction, the seventh generation maintains its class-leader status thanks to the sheer polish of the package. Only standard spec lags behind that of the Toyota. price: R341 900 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 81 kW/5 000-5 500 r/min torque: 200/2 000-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 10,23 sec max speed: 196 km/h fuel index: 5,80 L/100 km luggage capac: 216/1 016 L serv/maint plan: S5/90 000 km Toyota Corolla Hatch 1,2T Xs This is the closest any midsize hatchback has come to dethroning the Golf. The Toyota strikes a commendable balance between spec, price, comfort and driving dynamics. Practicality, though, is merely average. price: R336 800 cyl/capac: 4/1 197 cm3 power: 85 kW/5 200-5 600 r/min torque: 185…

Audi RS4 Avant Quattro Tiptronic Unique styling and class-leading interior build quality. Turbocharged V6 drivetrain delivers supercar-like performance in a package capable of transporting a family. price: R1 211 500 cyl/capac: 6/2 894 cm3 power: 331 kW/5 700-6 700 r/min torque: 600 N.m/1 900-5 000 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 3,98 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 10,56 L/100 km luggage capac: 280/1 144 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km BMW X3 M40i Steptronic Hugely impressive dynamics considering its elevated dimensions and a wonderfully responsive turbocharged 3,0-litre drivetrain. Not ultimately as focused as the Audi. price: R1 038 379 cyl/capac: 6/2 998 cm3 power: 265 kW/5 500-6 500 r/min torque: 500 N.m/1 520-4 800 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 4,80 sec est top speed: 250 km/h fuel index 01…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V6, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, twin-turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 84,5/86,0 mm Cubic capacity: 2 894 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 331 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 700-6 700/ 6 450 r/min Max torque: 600 N.m Torque peak: 1 900-5 000 r/min Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear /2nd gear: 5,00/3,20 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,14/1,72 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,31/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,82/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,47 to 1 Final drive: 3,20 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 350 mm ventilated discs Rear: 330 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics:ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Continental…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 74,0/85,0 mm Cubic capacity: 1 462 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 77 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 250 r/min Max torque: 138 N.m Torque peak: 4 400 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: five-speed manual 1st gear /2nd gear: 3,91/2,04 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,41/1,00 to 1 Top gear: 0,74 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,25 to 1 Final drive: 4,35 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: none BRAKES Front: 272 mm ventilated discs Rear: 220 mm drums Hydraulics: ABS with EBD WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 Tyre size: 185/65 R15 Spare – type and location: full-size steel, under body STEERING Type:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 82,5/92,8 mm Cubic capacity: 1 984 cm3 Compression ratio: 9,3 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 228 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 500-6 500/ 6 800 r/min Max torque: 400 N.m Torque peak: 2 000-5 400 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear /2nd gear: 3,19/2,75 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,90/1,04 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 0,79/0,86 to 1 Top gear/Reverse gear: 0,66/2,90 to 1 Final drive (1/2): 4,77/3,30 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control) BRAKES Front: 340 mm ventilated discs Rear: 310 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Continental ContiSport Contact 6…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel Bore/stroke: 95,4/104,9 mm Cubic capacity: 2 999 cm3 Compression ratio: 17,3 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 130 kW Power peak/Red line: 3 600/4 400 r/min Max torque: 380 N.m Torque peak: 1 800-2 800 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed manual 1st gear /2nd gear: 4,94/2,09 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,43/1,00 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,75/0,63 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,60 to 1 Final drive: 3,73 to 1 Low range transfer: 2,48 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 300 mm ventilated discs Rear: 295 mm drums Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: General…

When a conventional tyre loses contact with the road, grip is lost. What about a tyre designed to fly? A new concept tyre from Goodyear, called the Aero, is designed for autonomous flying cars. The company envisages a future where cars can either drive or transform into a flying drone-type taxi. The wheels are tilted and the spokes become propellers providing lift. Magnetic force spins the wheels and each wheel carries optical sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor the wear and integrity of each unit.…

Crunch!  The horrible sound of rock meeting metal underneath your 4x4. Most aftermarket accessories focus on upping the macho appeal of your SUV or bakkie but contribute little to protection, or enhancing the off-road capability. This is where custom products such as those produced by Dorsland Outdoor provide peace of mind when a grade three trail turns into a grade five without prior warning. We spoke to founder and design engineer, Christiaan Swart, about what it takes to keep your pride and joy safe over the rough stuff. DESIGN, MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS According to Christiaan, computer-aided design (CAD) plays an important role in producing the exact custom component your specific vehicle needs. It should fit perfectly and use the existing chassis-mounting points of the vehicle where possible, as these areas…

In 1973, the Basil Green-converted 5,0-litre V8 Granada was the quickest-accelerating car we tested, reaching 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds. Today, a Ford Focus 1,5 EcoBoost can match that. The Granada’s top speed was nevertheless impressive for 1973 at 219 km/h. The attractive two-door coupé models introduced in January 1974 were actually cheaper than the four-door models. Today, the values will be switched around. We even spotted one for sale. As a rule, coupés for any marque tend to be more sought after. In 1974, the Granada placed eighth in the sales charts, just behind the Chrysler Valiant which had no option but to start giving up ground to smaller cars in the wake of the 1973-’74 oil crisis.…

A run-of-the-mill Mini? And a lowly bakkie at that? While this may seem an odd choice as a favourite classic, I have a plethora of reasons for my peculiar preference. Chief among them is the fact Mini was the automotive marque that grabbed my attention as a child, leading me to purchase a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 as my very first car. I’ve since developed quite a soft spot for the Mini Pick-up (produced locally for over a decade, starting in the early 1960s under the Austin, Morris and eventually Mini badges), struggling to resist this model’s bare-bones charm. But with just 2 673 units built in South Africa, the chances of a decent example ever elbowing its way into my garage seem dispiritingly slim. A CLOSE SECOND: As the…

To celebrate its 70th anniversary of bolting together some of the most desirable sportscars we know, Porsche has released a limited-run 911 Speedster. Based on the formidable 911 GT3, including its lightweight construction and sports chassis with rear-steering module, the Speedster is capped with a manually operated roof stashed beneath that shapely double-domed rear deck. It also shares the GT3’s 4,0-litre flat-six engine which, much to enthusiasts’ joy, can be coupled with a six-speed manual ‘box. Spinning up to 9 000 r/min and developing 374 kW, this unit will rocket the Speedster from 0-100 km/h in 3,9 seconds and on to a 309 km/h top speed. Look out for a driving impression in next month’s issue. ETA: Q3 FAST, PAST AND PRESENT Aston Martin is looking back while moving forward,…

Slotting in beneath the Kona and Creta, the Venue has been billed as the most affordable addition to Hyundai’s extensive SUV range. Measuring in at 4 036 mm long, 1 770 mm wide and sporting a 2 520 mm wheelbase, the Venue is underpinned by a mildly tweaked version of Hyundai-Kia’s GB platform, which also forms the basis of the i20 and Kona. Hyundai has been tight-lipped regarding technical specifications but given that SA-bound versions will be imported from India, it’s likely a front-wheel drivetrain and the company’s naturally aspirated Kappa engines will be on the table. Similarly, equipment specification has yet to be confirmed but, for reference, other markets see the baby SUV shipping with such features as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration via an eight-inch touchscreen, forward-collision detection, keyless…

1970 CITROËN SM The first car equipped with variable-assist power steering. The SM made use of an hydraulic system which maintained assistance no matter how fast the car was going. 1988 SUBARU XT6 This Scooby featured an adaptive electro-hydraulic system, which was capable of adjusting steering assistance depending on the car’s speed. 1988 SUZUKI CERVO The Japan-only Cervo debuted electrically assisted power steering. 1990 HONDA NSX This Japanese coupé was the first true sportscar to be equipped with electric power steering.…

Every car manufacturer has a heritage but not all grasp its importance. When they do, the results can be transformative, as is currently happening at BMW South Africa. Following the company’s recent restoration of two local specials – an E30 333i and a 325iS – it has embarked on sourcing, securing and restoring what is arguably the very first M car and one of the most important BMWs from the brand’s local history. The E12 5 Series 530 MLE (Motor-sport Limited Edition) was produced exclusively for our market at Plant Rosslyn in Pretoria. The reason the MLE had a production run was to homologate it for racing in the Modified Production Series. With assistance from BMW guru and restorer, Luis Malhou of Custom Restorations, this car – number 100 –…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 89,0/100,0 mm Cubic capacity: 2 488 cm3 Compression ratio : 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 126 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 000 r/min Max torque: 233 N.m Torque peak: 4 000-5 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: CVT Low ratio/High ratio: 2,63/0,38 to 1 Reverse gear: 5,60 to 1 Final drive: 6,39 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 296 mm ventilated discs Rear: 292 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA Tyre make: Nexen N Prix RH7 Tyre size: 225/60 R18 Spare – type and location: full-size alloy, under boot board STEERING Type: rack and pinion, electric…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel Bore/stroke: 82,0/92,3 mm Cubic capacity: 1 950 cm3 Compression ratio: 15,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 143 kW Power peak/Red line: 3 800/5 250 r/min Max torque: 400 N.m Torque peak: 1 600-2 800 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: nine-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 5,35/3,24 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,25/1,64 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,21/1,00 to 1 7th gear/8th gear: 0,86/0,72 to 1 Top gear: 0,60 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,80 to 1 Final drive: 2,47 to 1 Drive wheels: rear Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 295 mm ventilated discs Rear: 300 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 71,5/74,5 mm Cubic capacity: 1 197 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 85 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 200-5 600/ 6 250 r/min Max torque: 185 N.m Torque peak: 1 500-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,73/2,05 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,31/0,97 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,76/0,62 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,33 to 1 Final drive: 3,94 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 277 mm ventilated discs Rear: 270 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 Tyre size:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V6, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, twin-turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 84,5/86,0 mm Cubic capacity: 2 894 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 331 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 700-6 700/ 6 450 r/min Max torque: 600 N.m Torque peak: 1 900-5 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 5,00/3,20 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,14/1,72 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,31/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,82/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,47 to 1 Final drive: 3,20 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 350 mm ventilated discs Rear: 330 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make:…

style; comfort; easy to ride; ABS and traction control high cost; mirrors too wide The familiar Vespa GTS has been upgraded for 2019 with 12% more power, LED lighting and tweaked styling. The finishes are classy in piano black and deep chrome, with a choice of cool body colours. A press of the starter kicks off an instant idle with some gentle vibes to let you know this is not the new electric version, but the engine evens out above low revs. A rapid pull-away wins most robot drags for those first few crucial seconds. The turning circle is small and the drive smooth through gridlocked traffic. However, the mirrors are a little wide for confident lane-splitting. A true speed of 120 km/h reads 130 km/h on the clock while…

In the interests of protecting him from unwanted fame, stalkers and the paparazzi, CAR cannot reveal the true identity of the resourceful Garageman SHAFTED “Splitpin” Charlie has an automotive soul. He is stirred by the sound of a V-twin or a V8 engine burbling away or screaming at full throttle. He is also a motor mechanic and has the ideal body for it; Splitpin’s so thin he can almost work underneath a car without jacking it up. He’s a long-distance athlete and thinks nothing of running 20 km just for fun. To save money, he had decided to use a one-piece shaft and located one on a truck that was just the right length Some time ago, he inherited some money and built himself a V8-powered sports-car that looked like…

EXHAUST BRAKE EXPLAINED I have heard the new JMC Carrying 4-tonne commercial vehicle comes with an exhaust brake. Can you please explain the reason for an exhaust brake and how it functions? Is this technology linked to the loud sound that some large commercial vehicles emit when going downhill? PEET LE ROUX Via radio An exhaust brake is usually found on heavy-goods vehicles (HGV) that transport hefty loads. The reason for an exhaust brake is a fully laden HGV at speed needs to be slowed down on steep road sections without relying only on the mechanical brakes. The wear rate on the latter is excessive and there is a chance they may overheat and fail because of the amount of energy that needs to be constantly dissipated. A way to…