Innehållsförteckning för July 2018 från CAR

Pete has been a key part of the CAR team for 18 years now and, as our road-test engineer, he is the custodian for what is the most important of all our editorial pillars: our road-test data. Some of us may help out occasionally, but it’s this man who turns left out of our building several times a week and heads to the same piece of asphalt we’ve used to test our vehicles for the last five decades. The electronic, GPS-based Vbox we use might be a lot more sophisticated than the mechanical fifth wheel Pete bolted onto bumpers when he first started working here in 2000. However, getting the accurate and consistent results – so critical in the comparative testing we do – still requires the finesse, intuitive understanding…

Congratulations to Leon Krog, who wins an aviator-inspired, lightweight SOLO Altitude backpack (R1 499) and a stylish SOLO Ludlo tablet sling (R699). SOLO Established in 2008, Solo is committed to keep you moving in style with cool, thoughtfully designed bags and tablet cases. The sights and sounds of New York provide SOLO with endless inspiration to design a unique style. Now available in South Africa thanks to Gammatek at Incredible Connection, Takealot.com, Shopandship.co.za and participating Vodacom stores. Gammatek is a leading distributor of branded technology accessories, the company is the sole distributors of Body Glove, Solo, Speck, Snug, Tiggly, UAG, UBTECH ROBOTICS, Funko and Whoosh. See www.gammatek.co.za or @gammatek on Twitter and Facebook.…

THESE two have been going at it for generations, trading blows in the local market and in CAR magazine comparative tests. Where the Polo would win the contest for buyers’ attentions, the Fiesta would often land a knockout punch in this publication. Lately, though, the Volkswagen has extended its dominance to these pages; the previous generation was our favourite small car in the Top 12 Best Buys awards five times in its seven-year model cycle, while the newest iteration tested here reasserted its dominance earlier this year by taking the trophy once more. A drive of the new Fiesta in Spain last year showed signs the Polo would have a fierce fight on its hands, however. Ford’s new small hatch displayed great composure on the European country’s roads, and the…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control/USB Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual, incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: cloth (leather opt) Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK DC 3,0 V6 TDI 4MOTION AT  price R703 500 cyl/capac (cm3 ) V6/2 970 power (kW/r/min) 165/3 500-4 500 torque (N.m/r/min) 550/1 400-1 750 gears/drive 8/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 7,82 max speed (km/h) 193 fuel index (L/100 km) 10,80 payload (kg) 867 kg serv/maint plan S5/90 000 km OUR VERDICT It’s becoming predictable to say, but the Amarok 3,0 TDI is the market’s best leisure bakkie if price is a secondary consideration. There’s very little it doesn’t do well. ROUSH FORD RANGER DC 3,2 TDCi RS3 AT  price R875 300* cyl/capac (cm3 ) 5/3 198 power (kW/r/min) 190/3 000 torque (N.m/r/min) 650/2 500 gears/drive 6/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 9,84 max speed (km/h) 179 fuel index (L/100 km) n/a payload…

AUDI RS6 AVANT QUATTRO TIPTRONIC  price R1 615 000 cyl/capac (cm3 ) V8/3 993 power (kW/r/min) 412/5 700 torque (N.m/r/min) 700/1 750-5 500 gears/drive 8/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 3,90 est max speed (km/h) 250 fuel index (L/100 km) 11,50 luggage capac (L) 565/1 680 est serv/maint plan M5 /100 000 km OUR VERDICT Long a favourite of ours, this sledgehammer was one of the standout vehicles on Performance Shootout 2016. Handling, pace, space and price give it the win. PORSCHE PANAMERA SPORT TURISMO 4S PDK  price R1 703 160 cyl/capac (cm3 ) V6/2 894 power (kW/r/min) 324/5 650-6 600 torque (N.m/r/min) 550/1 750-5 500 gears/drive 8/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 4,07 max speed (km/h) 286 fuel index (L/100 km) 9,96 luggage capac…

MITSUBISHI TRITON DC 2,4 Di-D EXTREME 4x2 AT  price R519 995 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/2 442 power (kW/r/min) 133/3 500 torque (N.m/r/min) 430/2 500 gears/drive 5/R 0-100 km/h (sec) n/a max speed (km/h) 177 fuel index (L/100 km) 9,20 payload (kg) 1 030 serv/maint plan S5/90 000 km OUR VERDICT An underrated proposition in our market, not least for its aggressive pricing, solid underpinnings and cosseting ride quality. Extreme model adds extra body styling for a greater sense of presence. TOYOTA HILUX DC 2,8 GD-6 RAIDER 4x2 AT  price R534 400 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/2 755 power (kW/r/min) 130/3 400 torque (N.m/r/min) 450/1 600-2 400 gears/drive 6/R 0-100 km/h (sec) 10,80 est max speed (km/h) 175 fuel index (L/100 km) 9,60…

VW TIGUAN ALLSPACE 2,0 TSI COMFORTLINE 4MOTION DSG  price R523 800 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/1 984 power (kW/r/min) 132/3 940 torque (N.m/r/min) 320/1 500-3 950 gears/drive 7/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 8,96 max speed (km/h) 208 fuel index (L/100 km) 9,24 luggage capac (L) 176/368-480/1 376 serv/maint plan S5/90 000 km OUR VERDICT Although not the biggest, the third row does add versatility without diluting the key attributes we value in the Tiguan. When those pews are not in use, the larger boot is a plus. NISSAN X-TRAIL 2,5 4x4 TEKNA  price R479 900 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/2 488 power (kW/r/min) 126/6 000 torque (N.m/r/min) 233/4 000 gears/drive V/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 10,5 est max speed (km/h) 190 fuel index (L/100 km) 10,00 l/capac…

GLOBAL $19 billion The value of the Mahindra Group’s federation of companies 240 000 Number of employees Mahindra has globally 100 Number of countries in which Mahindra operates 37 241 The number of units exported in 2017, the company’s highest to date LOCAL 4 000 The potential annual production capacity of the Durban vehicle assembly plant 6th Mahindra’s local placement in the bakkie segment 37 000 Mahindras on South Africa’s roads 40% The targeted percentage (by value) of locally sourced components in the Pik Up…

OIL-FILTER REPLACEMENT What is the risk if I do not tighten my car’s oil filter properly during a routine service? WALTER OELOFSE Matatiele We assume you are talking about the spin-on type of oil filter. It is crucial to tighten this filter to the correct manufacturer torque setting. If you do not have a torque wrench and tool to fit the filter, rather use your hands (with a good grip on the filter), as too much torque on the fine thread can deform the filter to the extent that it leaks oil. Seasoned technicians know by feel the correct torque but, as a rule of thumb, continue turning the filter half a turn after the seal has made contact. Too little torque and the filter may unscrew by itself, resulting…

NOTES The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before 25 May 2018. 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 E = electric. POWER…

THE KUDOS: Despite a horrific accident that would’ve killed most drivers and dissuaded the rest from ever competing again, AJ Foyt returned to victory a mere six months later. He went on to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500, the Daytona 24 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. THE CRASH: The 1965 Nascar season kicked off with the Motor Trend 500 held at the Riverside International Speedway in California. Late in the race, while contesting the lead with Dan Gurney, the brakes of Foyt’s Ford Galaxie failed at 160 km/h heading into turn nine. There was nothing Foyt could do but nudge the car onto the dirt and hope for the best. In this case, the best was not losing his life. Despite launching off one embankment and dropping…

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. THE BARGAIN CAR I have three cars, but the only one worth mentioning is my 1965 Ford Cortina and its signature peace-sign rear lights. I’m the second owner and it’s still used daily. My first car at university was one like this and I’ve had several since. The doors close with your little finger and the engine starts after the first swing. Thanks to my passion for cars and my reading of your excellent magazine for the past 40 years, people regularly approach me for…

Three years after Rolls-Royce’s shock announcement of adding an all-terrain, high-bodied car to its stable, the Cullinan has finally broken cover. Measuring 5 341 mm long, 2 164 mm wide and 1 835 mm high, the Cullinan sports a three-box profile that Rolls-Royce claims is unique in the luxury-SUV segment. Power is provided by a 6,75-litre twin-turbo V12 delivering 420 kW and 850 N.m to all four wheels, with the top speed limited to 250 km/h (interestingly, Rolls-Royce has opted not to list a 0-100 km/h figure). The 2 660 kg Cullinan furthermore boasts an all-wheel-steering system as standard and has a 540 mm wading depth at it loftiest ride height. ETA: Q4 Did you know? The Cullinan isn’t the first Rolls-Royce with off-road conditions in mind. That honour goes…

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Q4 Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV Q4 Aston Martin DB11 AMR Q4 Audi A6 Q1 2019 Audi A7 Sportback Q3 Audi A8 Q1 2019 Bentley Continental GT Q3 BMW M3 CS September BMW M5 Competition Q3 BMW X4 September BMW X7 TBC Fiat 500X facelift Q3 Ford EcoSport mid-year Ford Ranger update 2019 Ford Everest update 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Q4 Jeep Cherokee facelift Q4 Jeep Renegade facelift Q3 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Q3 Jeep Wrangler 2019 Kia Sorento facelift Q3 Lexus ES Q4 McLaren P15 Q4 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Q3 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift Q3 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Q1 2019 Nissan Leaf TBC Pagani Huayra Roadster Q4 Peugeot 5008 Q4 Renault Duster Q3 Renault Kwid facelift Q4 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Q4 Subaru Forester Q1 2019 Subaru Levorg TBC Suzuki…

HAVING won two of the first four races and claimed three pole positions, Ferrari’s sudden drop in form for the Spanish Grand Prix was matched by a rise in rumours. The loss of pace had followed Ferrari’s unexpected agreement to proposed technical changes for 2019. None of the teams had been happy about suggested modifications to the front wings and it was confidently expected that a unanimous vote against would stop the proposal in its tracks. Then, without warning, Ferrari and its aligned teams (Sauber and Haas) agreed to the changes. Rumour in the Barcelona paddock suggested the sport’s governing body, the FIA, had not been happy about Ferrari’s energy-retention system. The word was that Ferrari had been persuaded to stop bending the rules, vote for the 2019 changes ...…

The launch event for the DB11 AMR was based at the company’s new Nürburgring-sited AMR Performance Centre, officially opened in May during the weekend of the ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This comes exactly a decade after Aston Martin opened its first Nürburgring Test Centre, the base from which the company runs its development cars. This new centre is a further step in developing Aston Martin’s AMR performance brand, as well as being a one-stop-shop for Aston Martin customers looking to hone their driving abilities. The centre and its staff assist customers with anything from acquiring their first racing licence to offering car preparation services, or even race enthusiasts the chance to rent factory-supported racecars (later this year, Aston Martin’s new Vantage GT3 and GT4 racecars will become available…

DURING my school days in Windhoek, there were always two 1930s Rolls-Royces at the annual carnival and they fascinated me.” This memory laid the foundation for Kobus van der Walt’s interest in cars. It was after finishing his studies and embarking on a fledgling career that he first investigated the possibility of buying a second-hand Rolls-Royce in the UK and importing it to South Africa. However, with study debt to pay off and just an entry-level pharmacist salary at his disposal, Kobus realised one of Britain’s finest – even a second-hand one – was still beyond his means. “I then started to save money to get married, followed by another two years at university. After that our children arrived and it was only around 20 years ago that I could…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: manual Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/USB/Bluetooth Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: optional Park assist: optional Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: cloth (leather opt) Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: std Tyre sensors: no Wipers auto-on: optional Headlamps auto-on: optional…

VOLVO XC40 D4 AWD MOMENTUM GEARTRONIC price R600 392 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/1969 power (kW/r/min) 140/4 000 torque (N.m/r/min) 400/1 750-2 500 gears/drive 8/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 9,10 max speed (km/h) 210 fuel index (L/100 km) 6,60 luggage capac. (dm3 ) 320/1 168 serv/maint plan M5/100 000 km OUR VERDICT The XC40 impresses with its comfort and rakish styling. Throw in a punchy engine and generous standard specification, and it’s a strong showing from Volvo. JAGUAR E-PACE D150 AWD price R601 1578 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/1 999 power (kW/r/min) 110/3 500 torque (N.m/r/min) 380/1 750 gears/drive 9/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 10,5 est max speed (km/h) 193 fuel index (L/100 km) 6,70 luggage capac. (dm3 ) 312/968 serv/maint plan M5/100 000 km OUR VERDICT Undeniably…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control/USB Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/USB/voice control Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual, incl. height Folding rear seat: no Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: quad-zone climate Audio system: radio/MP3/aux-in/USB/Bluetooth Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: 40:20:40 split Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: electric rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control/USB Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: no Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: no Wipers auto-on: no Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: tri-zone climate Audio system: radio/Bluetooth/USB Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: optional Park assist: optional Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: cloth (leather opt) Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: optional Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

KUV100: a stylish, turbopetrol rival in the bustling small-SUV/ crossover scene. Thar: a nod to Mahindra’s early days of Willys Jeep production, it’s as tough as they come. XUV500: a stylish SUV blending great standard specification with tough underpinnings. Bolero: a real workhorse for small businesses and farmers. Scorpio: roomy and hard as nails, it’s the foil to many expensive body-on chassis SUVs. TUV300: this spacious people mover is frugal and practically packaged.…

Heavy-duty run-flat rings fitted inside the tyre and around the rim allow the vehicle to continue driving when there is no rubber left. Public-address system. Protection for the fuel tank and drivetrain systems such as the radiators and ECUs. Reinforced bumpers to ram obstacles and clear an escape path. Rescue hatch (it is difficult to get out of an armoured vehicle if the doors cannot open). Fireproofing. Oxygen masks in case of a chemical or fire attack.…

The purpose of an oil filter is to remove particulate contaminates from oil passing through it and thus prevent engine wear. Special cellulose paper (with additives) is still the most popular material to create the filter element, although expensive synthetic options are becoming available. A filter is never 100% efficient, as such a filter would not allow any through-flow; therefore, a filter is a balance between filtering efficiency and restriction to flow. In case the filter element gets completely blocked, there is a bypass-relief valve to rather allow unfiltered oil to the engine than risk oil starvation. The anti-drain valve prevents the oil inside from draining back to the sump when the engine is stopped. This ensures that oil is immediately available for lubrication restart…

JUNE 16 Sat Youth Day 23 Sat Streetcar track day/Motorcycle track school 30 Sat Rally cross & drifting JULY 7 Sat Power Series practice 14 Sat Power Series 21 Sat Drag racing and spinning/Short-circuit racing and drifting 28 Sat Streetcar track day/Motorcycle track school/Karting AUGUST 4 Sat Rally cross & drifting 9 Thu Power Series 11 Sat Streetcar track day/Motorcycle track school/Karting National Killarney info: If you want to take your own car around the track or do an advanced-driving course, contact Killarney on 021 557 1639, email info@wpmc.co.za  or visit www.wpmc.co.za Dates are subject to change. Visit www.wpmc.co.za  for an up-to-date diary.…

This is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Firestone founder Harvey Firestone in a radio address ahead of the 1931 Indy 500. They are words that could just as well have been said ahead of the 2018 race: “This race is a test of men, of machine and of tyres. You may think that you know something about fast driving but all that you know is nothing as compared with what these men have to know. I have been watching these races ever since they began 21 years ago and I have come to realise that, to get placed in this race, not only must a car and its tyres be nearly perfect, but the driver must have that sixth sense that distinguishes the artist from the common man.…

301,644 km/h The fastest average race speed, Tony Kanaan, 2013 120,060 km/h The slowest average race speed, Roy Harroun, 1911 198 Most consecutive laps led. By Billy Arnold in 1930. And yes, he did win 68 Most lead changes, 2013 36 Sets of tyres supplied by Firestone to each team for practice qualifying and the race 35 Most Indy 500 starts. AJ Foyt, who did them consecutively, too, covering 19 750,676 km 22 The number of foreign drivers who have won the race 76 Americans have been victorious 20 Percentage of winners from pole position 0 Percentage of winners from the back-row three 14 Most Indys led, Tony Kanaan 3 Drivers have won four times: AJ Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears…

Ford’s Australian arm has lifted the covers from the company’s refreshed Ranger and Everest lines, including models packing the Raptor’s engine. This four-cylinder turbodiesel pushes out 157 kW and 500 N.m, and is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. In the Everest, the new powerplant offers a claimed combined fuel economy of 7,1 L/100 km and boasts a braked towing capacity of 3 100 kg. As with the refreshed Ranger, expect the current 3,2-litre and 2,2-litre diesels to remain. In addition to a revised suspension aimed at superior ride quality and handling, the new Fords feature redesigned grilles and a new selection of paint schemes and alloy wheels. Both cars will play host to Ford’s Sync3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Everest will also…

Porsche 911 GT3 R Based on the 911 GT3 road car, the R is a track-only model with a stripped-down interior, lightweight carbon-fibre-composite components for the aerodynamic shell and a 4,0-litre flat-six engine couple with a six-speed sequential gearbox. Without restrictors, this naturally aspirated unit churns out a formidable 504 kW. Brabham BT62 The iconic Brabham brand is making a comeback with the release of the track-only BT62. With a carbon-fibre-infused body shell weighing just 972 kg being propelled by a naturally aspirated 5,4-litre V8 sending 522 kW and 667 N.m to the rear wheels, the as-yet-unannounced performance figures are expected to be deeply impressive. Only 70 examples will be built, each commanding a £1 million (R17 million) asking price.…

THE story begins with Emil Jellinek (1853-1918; pictured), Austria-Hungary’s Consul General to France. He lived in Nice and, every March, the authorities there organised a speed week consisting of a number of short races. In 1899, Jellinek won all the events driving a DMG-Phoenix, a vehicle made by the Stuttgart-based company founded by Gottlieb Daimler (DMG: Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft). This success allowed him to establish a close relationship with DMG and he made full use of it. Despite his success, Jellinek was nonetheless critical of the cars, sending a letter to Gottlieb Daimler saying his engineers “should be locked up in an insane asylum”. Daimler was annoyed but his chief designer, Willhelm Maybach, agreed that improvements were necessary. Jellinek, an experienced driver, visited the factory on a number of occasions…

AS KIA Motors celebrates 20 years of selling vehicles in South Africa, is it perhaps time to consider changing the brand’s current slogan from “The power to surprise” to “The power to consistently impress”? Indeed, considering the steady flow of well-designed, well-built and appropriately packaged models launched by Korea’s oldest automotive manufacturer, particularly over the past decade, is anyone still genuinely surprised that KIA is a global powerhouse? Distributed in South Africa since 1998 by Associated Motor Holdings (now known as Motus), KIA undoubtedly made the most of its board’s 2005 decision to use design as its “core future growth engine”. At the heart of this drive towards a distinct new design language (one that would further differentiate KIA from its Hyundai cousins), renowned designer Peter Schreyer set about establishing…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: climate Audio system: r/CD/MP3/aux/Bluetooth/voice control/USB Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual, incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: cloth Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: no Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

VOLVO XC40 T5 AWD R-DESIGN GEARTRONIC price R652 000 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/1 969 power (kW/r/min) 185/5 500 torque (N.m/r/min) 350/1 800-4 800 gears/drive 8/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 7,78 max speed (km/h) 230 fuel index (L/100 km) 9,24 luggage capac (L) 320/1 168 serv/maint plan M5/100 000 km OUR VERDICT Handsomely styled and deceptively punchy, the T5 R-Design strikes a neat balance between practicality and a spot of verve. MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS COUNTRYMAN STEPTRONIC price R658 372 cyl/capac (cm3 ) 4/1 998 power (kW/r/min) 170/5 000 torque (N.m/r/min) 350/1 450 gears/drive 8/4 0-100 km/h (sec) 6,5 est max speed (km/h) 234 fuel index (L/100 km) 8,90 luggage capac (L) 216-256/960 serv/maint plan M5/100 000 km OUR VERDICT Easily the…

Price range: base + R265 000 0-100 km/h: 9,84 sec Power/Torque: 190 kW/650 N.m Top speed: 179 km/h CAR fuel index: n/a L/100 km CO2: n/a g/km IT’s a great time to be a bakkie lover. Over the past few years, the market has grown in leaps and bounds, with a plethora of new additions from Volkswagen, Fiat and Mercedes-Benz. We’ve also seen the rise of the luxury bakkie, with the Amarok V6 and the X-Class vying for the attentions of traditionally SUV shoppers. Together with this newfound prevalence of premium fare, companies offering aftermarket accessories and tuning options have sprung up across the country. And no bakkie has been subject to more tweaking and enhancing than Ford’s Ranger, which in its standard form is our reigning Top 12 Best…

Price: R1 703 160 0-100 km/h: 4,07 sec Power/Torque: 324 kW/550 N.m Top speed: 286 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,96 L/100 km CO2: 189 g/km IT’S not often you look at a car and think, “Wait… what is that exactly?” We’re not talking about the brand – even from a distance, it’s clear you’re looking at one of Zuffenhausen’s finest – but the kind of car. The extended roofline and rear hatch clearly indicate this is not a sedan but neither is it quite station-wagon-esque in silhouette. It certainly doesn’t offer the kind of the interior volume that any of the German premium-segment estates provide. And, whereas it may mimic a shooting brake’s sports-coupé-with-an-extended-roofline persona, this Porsche has four doors, unlike the classic shooting brake’s two. Irrespective of the difficulty…

Price: R556 900 0-100 km/h: 10,63 sec Power/Torque: 140 kW/450 N.m Top speed: n/a CAR fuel index: 8,16 L/100 km CO2: 179 g/km IMAGINE a friend borrowed the plans to your freshly built house, added a few small tweaks and then built essentially the same home just in a more upmarket suburb. Now that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has officially been launched in South Africa (and tested in our May issue), inevitable comparisons will be drawn between it and the Nissan Navara on which it’s based. Immediately obvious is an upgrade in NVH suppression compared with the Nissan, although you’d expect that given the German’s inflated price tag. Then again, you’d assume, for a company that also makes the S-Class, a quieter cabin would have been at the forefront of requirements…

Price: R532 800 0-100 km/h: 8,96 sec Power/Torque: 132 kW/320 N.m Top speed: 208 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,24 L/100 km CO2: 175 g/km THE Tiguan has made quite an impact on the midsized-SUV market since its launch in 2016, regularly selling more than 500 units a month. We regard the vehicle highly and in our initial test – the 1,4 TSI Comfortline in the October 2016 issue – we concluded: “Simply put, based on this acquaintance, we have little hesitation in proclaiming it the new class benchmark.” This was confirmed when it subsequently scooped the award for Best Midsize SUV/Crossover in our Top 12 Best Buys in 2017 and this year. The midsize-SUV segment has gone from strength to strength, to where it is now the staple diet for…

“SINCE 1903.” This message flashes briefly on the intricate instrument cluster as the ignition is switched on; a little ironic given this is one of the most futuristically styled bikes we’ve ever tested. The KTM-owned firm might be better known for its power tools but, as that display proclaims, Husqvarna started building motorcycles near the Swedish town of Huskvarna and has been going for well over a century now. It can also be proud of its latest creation: the Vitpilen (“white arrow”) 401 is a road bike that represents a considerable departure from the more usual off-road and enduro machines that carry this name plate. Just look at it. The minimalist design is artfully executed with plenty of beautiful details to draw you in: the tank with its aircraft wing-like…

1945 Industrialist brothers KC and JC Mahindra join Malik Ghulam Mahammad to form the Mahindra and Mohammed Steel Company. 1948 Licensed production of Willys Jeeps begins in Mumbai and the company changes its name to Mahindra & Mahindra Limited. 2004 Mahindra enters the South African market with its range of reliable bakkies. 2010 Acquisition of REVA electric car company to form Mahindra Electric. 2011 Acquisition of Korean carmaker SsangYong. Mahindra also receives the fastest-growing brand in SA award. 2015 Controlling share in renowned Italian car design firm Pininfarina. 2017 Mahindra register consistent growth in a declining South African automotive market; expands passenger-vehicle range. 2018 Opening of Durban Pik Up assembly plant.…

Clients usually provide their own vehicles for adaption. One of the goals when armouring a vehicle is to provide maximum protection of the occupant safety cell while retaining all the vehicle’s safety and convenience systems, making it difficult to differentiate such a car from the standard version. As the B4-specification level adds only 260 kg to the Toyota Fortuner (for a 2,8 GD-6 AT model with a tare mass of 1 939 kg), the combined mass falls well short of the maximum permitted mass (GVM) of 2 610 kg. Therefore, there is no need to upgrade its structural integrity, suspension, brakes or powertrain. STEP 1: SVI dismantles the interior, glass and other areas that need protection. In the case of this Fortuner demo vehicle, the underbody and roof area are…

VIBRATION CONSTERNATION In every town, there are people who seem to have boundless energy. If the church organises a fete, they will be involved. If the annual pampoenfees is being planned, guess who’s on the committee. “Duracell” Dan du Preez is such a person and those of us who are not on the committee with him are not bothered by his industriousness. He’s always welcome at our parties because he’s a fun person. A few months ago, Duracell breezed in to talk about his 2014 BMW 530d. He brought along an advert for a programmable computer chip that promised 30% more Newton metres and 23% more kilowatts, and wanted to know if it was worth having his car chipped. I advised him against it and mentioned engine and drivetrain life…

TYRE PRESSURE AND ALTITUDE I recently travelled by car to Pretoria from Cape Town. I checked the cold tyre pressure at the coast and it was reading 2,1 bar. After reaching Pretoria and allowing the tyres to cool, I checked the pressure again and this time the reading was 2,3 bar. I am aware that barometric pressure changes with altitude and have the following question: what pressure should I adjust the tyres to in Pretoria to ensure that it will again be 2,1 bar when back at the coast? It sounds logical to then ensure that the tyres are 2,3 bar again before I embark on my homeward journey. RENÉ SWANEPOEL Bellville An interesting question that gave us pause for thought. Your last statement rings true if the atmospheric conditions…

VW Polo 1,2 TDI Bluemotion, 2014, white, 142 000 km, R159 900 VW Polo 1,2 TDI Bluemotion, 2013, blue, 149 000 km, R149 900 750 TOTAL NUMBER OF VOLKSWAGEN POLO HATCHES CURRENTLY FOR SALE ON GUMTREE AVERAGE PRICE BY KM FOR VW POLO HATCH ADS PER FUEL TYPE FOR VW POLO HATCH ADS PER COLOUR FOR VW POLO HATCH (%) VW POLO HATCH AVERAGE PRICES BY YEAR Ford Fiesta 1,6 TDCi Ambiente, 2015, white, 160 000 km, R144 800 Ford Fiesta 1,6 TDCi Trend, 2013, gold, 135 000 km, R135 995 Hyundai i20 1,4 CRDi Glide, 2013, red, 64 000 km, R139 990 Hyundai i20 1,4 CRDi Glide, 2015, silver, 88 000 km, R143 800…

The Rover Company started in 1885 by making bicycles, then motorcycles from 1902, before branching into car production in 1904. In ‘67, Leyland took over care of Rover and other British marques and the path from there became rather complicated. At the turn of the 21st century, ownership moved from BMW to Ford, to Tata, and then Nanjing Auto of China. (If, by the way, you spot a car called a Roewe, it was made by SAIC Motors, also in China.) These days, the Rover name is owned by Jaguar Land Rover and there is speculation that JLR, under parent company Tata, may reintroduce the Rover brand. The Rover emblem is one of the most unusual for a car brand; initially a Viking head and later evolving into a Viking…

MERCEDES-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+ 9G-TRONIC 1:21,60 BMW M5 M xDRIVE M STEPTRONIC 1:21 70 QUICKEST AWD CAR TO DATE 2016 AUDI R8 V10 PLUS QUATTRO S TRONIC 1:19,49 1 ’14 McLaren 650S 1:17,90 2 ’17 Mercedes-AMG GT-R 1:18,60 4 ’16 Audi R8 V10 Plus Quattro S tronic 1:19,49 6 ’16 McLaren 570S 1:19,70 11 ’08 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 1:20,58 12 ’16 BMW M4 Coupe GTS M-DCT 1:21,60 14 ’16 Jaguar F-Type Coupe SVR AWD 1:21,64 16 ’15 Mercedes-AMG GT S 1:21,90 17 ’16 Nissan GT-R 1:22,15 *Note, the above picture was not taken on the same day as the tests. Both these German super sedans have gone all-wheel drive but does that shift translate into improved on-track performance? RIGHT from the first W124 500E/ E500 from nearly three decades back,…

The Indy series is a single-chassis formula, with Dallara-built cars powered by either Chevrolet or Honda engines. This year has seen the debut of the new UAK18 bodywork used at Indy for the first time, with its new aero package substantially different to the one it replaces. It comes in two specs: road course configuration with high downforce; and speedway configuration for high-speed ovals that require low-down force. Dallara IR-12 chassis with UAK18 aero kit Downforce: 1 043 kg (2 449 kg in road-course spec) Drag: 336 kg (669 kg in road-course spec) Length: 5 090 mm Wheelbase: 3 086 mm Height: 1 016 mm Weight: 721 kg Front/rear wing: single element Tyre camber/suspension: lefts have positive camber; rights a negative Cockpit padding: extra padding on the driver’s right Engine…