Xtreme & Launched Volvo C30 & C70 Launched Fiat 500 Cabriolet Launched BMW X1 Launched Mercedes-Benz E-Class Tested BMW 760Li Tested Renault Laguna Coupe Feature Toyota Rust de Winter CAR LEISURE SA’s only complete motorised lifestyle magazine Mastercraft CSX 220 R26.00 (Includes VAT) Other Countries R22.80 (Excl Tax) Kawasaki Z1000 All New BMW 5 Series Launched ISSUE 62 Porsche 911 Turbo Tested Peugeot RCZ Driven Launched Citroën DS3 Launched Hyundai ix35 Launched MV Augusta F4 1000R Launched Yamaha Super Ténére Tested 210 Challenger SE Tested Sea Ray 170 Feature New Vespa Range Visit our website www.xmg.co.za 9771728 308006 2 6 Bike Week 2010
Transcript
Xtreme
&
Launched Volvo C30 & C70
Launched Fiat 500 Cabriolet
Launched BMW X1
Launched Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Tested BMW 760Li
Tested Renault Laguna Coupe
Feature Toyota Rust de Winter
ISSUE 60
CAR LEISURESA’s only complete motorised lifestyle magazine
Mastercraft CSX 220
R26.00 (Includes VAT)Other Countries R22.80 (Excl Tax)
Kawasaki Z1000
All New BMW 5 SeriesLaunched
ISSUE 62
Porsche 911 TurboTested
Peugeot RCZDriven
Launched Citroën DS3
Launched Hyundai ix35
Launched MV Augusta F4 1000R
Launched Yamaha Super Ténére
Tested 210 Challenger SE
Tested Sea Ray 170
Feature New Vespa RangeVisit our websitewww.xmg.co.za
CopyrightOpinions expressed in articles, news and views or in advertise-ments appearing in Car & Leisure are those of the Author, ad-
vertiser and do not reflect those of this journal nor it’s publisher. The mention of specific companies, people, photos or products in articles or advertisements, does not imply that they are endorsed
by this publication.
Some manoeuvres are extreme and we do not recommend that you attempt any said manoeuvre as portrayed in this publication
without professional instruction. Car & Leisure cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage of any kind whatsoever.
LaunchedPeugeot RCZ BMW 5 Series Volvo C30 & C70 Fiat 500 Cabriolet and MTA BMW X1 Mercedes-Benz E-Class CabrioletCitroën DS3 Hyundai ix35
TestedBMW 760Li Citroën C5 Renault Megane dCi Porsche 911 Turbo BMW 530d GT Renault Laguna Coupe 3.5 AT Subaru Impreza 2.0 RS Sedan Featured Record Breaking BMWs Land Rover Discovery 4 Toyota Rust de Winter
MARINETested
MasterCraft CSX 220 SeaRay 170 and Mazda CX7 Seadoo Challenger and Audi Q7 MasterCraft X-35
FeatureVespa models Africa Bike Week 2010 MotorsportNational Superbike racing
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Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi presents a limited pro-duction version of it R8 high perfor-mance sports car, the R8 GT. The
output of its 5.2 litre V10 has been increased to 412 kW and the vehicle weight has been re-duced by roughly 100 kilograms. The R8 GT is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and is able to reach a top speed of 320 km/h.
The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT has a badge with its production number on the shift lever knob.
Thanks to the ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1 625 kilograms with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and optional R tronic transmission. This made it all the more difficult for the engineers to once again achieve substantial weight savings. They took an elabo-rate approach involving every aspect of the ve-hicle, and in the end the scales came to rest at 1 525 kilograms.
Changes to the engine electronics coaxed an additional 26 kW from the ten cylinder. The torque curve peaks at 540 Nm at 6 500 rpm, 10 Nm more than in the production version.
Gear changes in the R8 GT are handled by the R tronic sequential manual transmission. The ESP stabilisation program has been specially tuned
to the R8 GT and can be switched into a Sport mode at the push of a button to allow spec-tacular, but safe, oversteer when accelerating out of a corner.
The driver can deactivate the system entirely for a trip to the race track.
note
When Renault South Africa launched the latest generation Clio compact hatchback, the company indicated that the consolidated range would
be augmented by additional models in due time. The first of these is an automatic trans-mission model of the Clio 1.6 Dynamique. The newcomer combines all the attractions and in-novations of its manual sibling with the ease of use associated with an automatic gearbox. The new Clio 1.6 Dynamique Auto features the
same dynamic styling cues as the manual ver-sion, endowing it with a truly individual charac-ter that draws on the design highlights of the New Renault Mégane. Also retained is the famil-iar 1.6 litre engine. Maximum power is rated at 83 kW at 6 000 rpm, matched to a torque peak of 151 Nm at 4 250 rpm.
The new Renault Clio 1.6 Dynamique Auto has a recommended retail price of R209 900
The Audi R8 GT: Extreme Lightweight Construction
Self-Shifter Joins The Clio Family
MOTORINGnews
EDITOR’S
While the whole country goes completely soccer mad, and we proudly host what should be a very successful tournament, it
is sadly worth noting that we also just had what I think will be the last round of World Superbikes at Kyalami recently.
It was great to see this iconic circuit filled to the rafters with motorsport enthusiasts, the organisation seemed on par with anything I have experienced in the world, and the racing was top class too.
Unfortunately though, politics has had the final say and they won’t be back next year, and you would be naive to think that they will be
back anytime soon. What a pity, because our country can host the world’s best! For what it is worth, Michel Fabrizio on his Xerox Team Ducati walked race one and Leon Haslam on his Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki had a titanic battle with Johnny Rea for the win in the second race.
Our local boy, Sheridan Morias put up a good fight in the first race but then binned it in the second, maybe one day some real sponsor-ship money and this talented rider might find themselves in the same place.
Moving on to some more of the world’s best, we put Porsche’s 911 Turbo against the clock and it breaks all our records, we attended launches all over the place to bring you the latest im-
pressions of new cars about to hit the road. To bolster our biking team, we also got national 600 cc superbike rider, Eddy Alberts to join us and bring you some seriously in-depth biking insights now and in the future of not only what is new but also how to get the best out of your bike on the weekend.
And as always we took to the water in some seriously good watercraft in the form of Maste-craft’s CSX 210 and Sea-Doo’s 210 Challenger SE Jet Boat, to name but a few of the great stories in this month’s Xtreme Car & Leisure Magazine read.
The World’s Best!
04 ISSUE 62
Mark Jones
VW Amarok For Spirit Of Africa
The Nissan Navara has been given a mid-term boost with a number of sig-nificant enhancements designed to keep it at the top of its class with more
luxurious equipment and an even more distin-guishable appearance. Among the changes to the range-topping Navara LE are significant power delivery and economy improvements to the class-leading 2.5 litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; enhanced interior qual-ity and a number of styling changes to keep the Navara at the leading edge of the luxury 4X4 segment.
Although the previous generation’s power and torque delivery was already class-leading in this size of diesel engine, subtle retuning has yielded an 11 percent rise in both power and torque figures keeping it at the top of the class. Power output rises to 140 kW while torque in-creases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm, in the 4X4 LE models. The 4x2 models receive a simi-lar upgrade, now producing 403 Nm and 128 kW. As well as delivering performance gains, the changes have seen marked improvements
in fuel economy emerge and reduced the over-all amount of emissions produced. Over the combined cycle manual versions use just 8.5 litres per 100km a significant improvement of 1.3 litres / 100 km. The 4.0 litre petrol V6 con-tinues to deliver a class-best 198 kW of power making the Navara range the undisputed per-formance leaders in this segment, boasting the most powerful diesel and petrol engines on the market.
The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grill and a new bumper as-sembly. These changes have also added 80 mm to the length of the new Navara. While clearly retaining the trademark look of an up-market leisure bakkie with genuine all-condition ca-pabilities, the revised Navara styling now also suggests more sportiness as well as being a cleaner and more modern overall design.
All of the changes inside the cabin of the new range topping Navara LE have been designed
to boost quality and create an even more luxu-rious cabin ambience, and include newly-de-signed switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric and the addition of chrome highlights add an even more up-market feel to the console.
Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio system are now available. Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and to the instrument binnacle. There’s also a new storage box in the centre console with a damped lid for easy stor-age of cell phones and iPods.
The Volkswagen Amarok is the new ve-hicle for the Spirit of Africa competi-tion. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has signed an agreement with Sarel
van der Merwe to be the main sponsor of the 2010 competition. Graeme Birch, Market-ing Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles said: “Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proud to be associated with Sarel van der Merwe through the Spirit of Africa competi-tion.” Sarel has a long and proud history with Volkswagen of South Africa dating back to his rallying days. We are glad that the launch of the Amarok has enabled us to rekindle our re-lationship with him.
Sarel van der Merwe said: “I am happy to be again reunited with the Volkswagen family es-pecially to be associated with a product like Amarok, which impressed me from the start. Amarok’s off-road capabilities will enable us to make some exercises even more difficult than in previous years. I am positive that the con-testants will experience the same admiration for the vehicle and will have a thrilling time during the 2010 Spirit of Africa competition.”
The elimination rounds of the Spirit of Africa competition will commence in August 2010 and finals will take place in November 2010
Toyota South Africa has added two new models in TX specification to the Prado range to compliment the top-of-the-range luxury VX specification.
As with the Prado VX seating for seven is avail-able and the choice of engines is either a 4.0 litre petrol V6, or a 3.0 litre turbodiesel. Despite being positioned below VX models, the Prado TX still offers an expansive list of utility and com-fort items as well as a full suite of active and passive safety features. The Prado 4.0 TX petrol is powered by the highly acclaimed 1GR-FE 4.0 litre V6 engine with a 24 valve DOHC configura-tion. This all-aluminium engine from Toyota was purpose designed for 4X4 SUV applications.
Maximum power is 202 kW at 5 600 rpm. Torque is 381 Nm available at 4 400 rpm. Dual VVT-i, high efficiency intake and exhaust ports, a number of low friction components, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio add to the perfor-
mance of this lightweight engine. The Prado 3.0 TX Diesel model is powered by Toyota’s 1KD-FTV common rail direct injection engine. This is a 3.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged and inter cooled engine with a 16 valve DOHC configura-tion. Maximum power is 120 kW at 3 400 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm is delivered be-tween 1 600 rpm and 2 800 rpm.
Both the petrol and diesel engines are mated to a five speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This transmission offers excellent performance and fuel efficiency together with a smooth shifting characteristic and low noise.
The transmission drives through a full time four wheel drive system with Torsen-type torque sensing limited slip centre differential. A 4WD control switch replaces the traditional floor mounted transfer shift lever used on previous models for simplified operation.
Nissan Navara Gets Luxury Boost
MOTORINGnews
Feature Rich Specification For New Prado TX
05ISSUE 62
MARINEnews
They’ve Still Got It
Entertaining You On The High Seas
Audio-visual entertainment systems and their associated storage media are an area of technology that never seem to keep still, whether it be on
the street or on the high seas. In recent years we have all seen the rise of highly compressed, digital audio and video signals (MP3 files for ex-ample) allowing a huge selection of media con-tent to be conveniently stored and transported on a single disc or device.
For larger vessels the trend over recent years has been that of a networked, integrated sys-tem where movies, music, satellite TV and In-ternet can be stored and processed by central media servers for distribution to multiple loca-tions around the boat, allowing users to se-lect, view or listen to whatever they wish. HD (high definition) screens have been around for a while but it is only now the source material (Blu-ray discs, Sky and BBC HD services) is readily available. However, there have been de-velopments with TV / monitor technology over recent months and the future now looks set to
be dominated by ultra-slim, energy efficient LED screens.
LED screens utilise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to provide the screen backlighting and bring huge benefits with both picture quality and, importantly for marine applications, space, weight and energy savings. Other TV / monitor developments include the use of touch screen technology. This allows the user to control all aspects of their onboard digital environment from a single location, including movies, music and charts / navigation software. So in short, look forward to even more high quality enter-tainment the next time you go for a cruise.
Recently, plans were unveiled for the Selene 86, one of the largest designs in the fleet and part of the Ocean Ex-plorer series of Selene Ocean Trawlers.
The Selene 86 “Ocean Explorer ” is the result of an international collaboration of designers and architects under Howard Chen’s design team leadership.
Working closely with renowned Dutch architect ,Guido De Groot, and a group of international consultants they have developed a contem-porary take on the long range yacht whilst capitalizing on builder Jet Tern Marines quality
construction and reputation for experience and innovation in the displacement yacht sector. Standard power will be supplied by twin Cum-mins QSM11 610 hp engines and sophisticated fuel polishing and fuel monitoring systems are also standard features.
A first look at the 86 shows a number of the Selene family traits with a powerful raised pi-lothouse, Portuguese bridge, and bulbous bow. But a contemporary twist is also apparent in the addition of the large side windows in the hull and stainless anchor pockets. She is sure to appeal to existing owners and big boat en-
thusiasts alike and takes the simple and proven concept of the fuel efficient and seaworthy long range yacht to a new level of luxury that is in-tended to compete directly with the finest Euro-pean yards. Moulds for the Selene 86 are under construction and hull number one is expected to launch in time to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2011.
The most varied range of products in the personal watercraft industry is looking even better this year, with the arrival of revamped RXT, GTX and Wake Pro
models, now featuring the revolutionary intel-ligent safety and control system dubbed iCon-trol, launched a year ago on the sporty RXT iS.
iControl combines several new electronic sys-tems that make for a user-friendlier and espe-cially safer experience onboard any of the new Sea-Doo PWC’s. Some of the advancements that make an appearance on the new range is the very first water brake for this class of wa-tercraft, the PWC braking system (iBR), a Sea- Doo exclusive, features a brake lever on the left grip, just like an ATV. Squeezing the lever shuts the throttle, deploys a deflector at the turbine exit, and then reopens the throttle. The reversed thrust cuts braking by up to two thirds when compared to the competition.
What’s more, grooves under the hull increase its toughness and improves water flow, contrib-uting to the stability of the machine at higher speeds. Lastly, splash deflectors at the front and on the sides help keep the rider nice and dry.
The RXT, GTX and Wake Pro models use the Rotax 4-TEC engine with its closed-loop cooling system. The three cylinder, 1 494 cc mill kicks out 155 hp in its naturally aspirated incarnation on the GTX, and 215 hp in its supercharged version on the RXT and Wake Pro.
Sea-Doo is continuously improving its products, offering up an innovative and varied range for 2010 that goes way beyond that of the compe-tition, and featuring iControl, the most sophis-ticated watercraft technology in the industry.
Man made causes are said to account for some 80 percent of all marine casualties. Hence, reducing the possibility of human error can be
considered as being both essential to and an effective means of reducing casualties. While many factors can contribute to a casualty, hu-man error onboard ship can be often reduced by strengthening the training and education of all crew, and by addressing more indirect con-tributing factors such as hardware or other er-gonomic related causes.
The implementation of the International Safety Management Code has played an important role in strengthening the training and education of crewmembers. At the same time, the shipping industry has globally also started to become aware of the importance of ergonomic consid-erations in the design and installation stages of marine equipment systems in recent years. In fact, ergonomic design of the man and ma-chine interface is not only important for ensur-ing a smooth flow of information between man
and machinery, but is also expected to make the working environment of marine equipment systems more effective and safer. These new guidelines start off by setting out principles on how to implement design considerations for re-ducing human error in the light of ergonomics. They emphasize ergonomic aspects of marine machinery systems provided onboard ships, mainly in the engine room, to ensure that due consideration is to be given to the mutual inter-action between crew and equipment systems in the design and installation stages.
The guidelines will be available for download from the ClassNK website later this month.www.classnk.or.jp
If Money Grew On Trees
Removing The Human Factor
06 ISSUE 62
South Africa has become the latest country to confirm a Honda Xtreme Academy Junior Championship for 11-15 year olds. Riders will be competing
on a Honda CRF150R. The Xtreme Academy was announced last December and is seen as a potential first step on the ladder to becom-ing part of Honda Racing’s World Championship Xtreme programme in MX1, MX2, Enduro and even the Dakar Rally. Honda South Africa has announced that its 2010 Xtreme Academy se-ries will run in conjunction with the South Afri-can Pro Mini Motocross Championship.
The Xtreme Academy prize fund will offer the series winner R12 000 worth of vouchers that can be exchanged for goods and services at their local Honda dealer. Second and third placed riders will receive R6 000 and R3 000 worth of vouchers respectively. Every Xtreme Academy competitor will also benefit directly from the involvement of Honda’s series spon-sors, to be announced soon, and get exclusive access to experts such as John van den Berk, a double MX world champion who now runs a successful rider training business around Eu-rope.
Honda’s Xtreme Academy Launched In South Africa
MOTORCYCLEnews
The KLR650’s Baby Brother – The 2010 Kawasaki KLX250!
Building a dual-purpose motorcycle re-quires careful planning and there are certain decisions that have to be made before the design can be accepted and
put into production. What should the balance between road and dirt capabilities be? Should power be the most important attribute of the engine, or user-friendly torque?
How many compromises should be made to keep costs down? Where Kawasaki’s KLR 650 is aimed at the adventure rider who’ll travel hun-dreds of kilometres on tar to get to the grav-elled wilderness section he wants to explore, the engineers who designed the awesome KLX250 were told to think more of the rider who would possibly use the bike to get around town in the week, and on moderate-length out-of-town trips with lots of gravel and off-road use over the weekend. Keeping the weight down was an issue, and because the bike didn’t need
to be capable of cruising at the national speed limit and above for hour after hour on tar with a rider, passenger and luggage on board it didn’t need a big, heavy engine.
The liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine of the original KLX250 was based upon that of the very successful Kawasaki KLX300R enduro racer. In the latest KLX250 the 249 cc unit now boasts electronic fuel injection and a six-speed close-ratio gearbox instead of utilising the tall top gear overdrive of the earlier model
Whether you load your bike up on a trailer or bakkie to take it to your favourite riding area, ride it there on the road, or simply use it as a city runabout with an occasional foray into the dirt, the new KLX250 is tailor made for you.
The Kawasaki KLX250 retails for R49 995 with a 12 month unlimited distance warranty.
Italian manufacturer Piaggio has equipped all new Vespa models with leading-tech-nology, electronic fuel-injected engines. These new Eco-Smart systems use 15
percent less fuel than previous editions and op-timise the bikes’ performance. The best news – they are standard on all models.
The electronic fuel injection system ensures the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is optimized at all times and allows the single cylinder unit to pick up more smoothly and pro-gressively from lower engine speeds. The iconic scooter manufacturer says the change from carburettors to electronic fuel injection will give the four stroke air cooled engines more power and torque at lower engine speeds, important for the relentless stop-start conditions of city commuting. The benefits of the new engines can also be appreciated on longer journeys where extended stretches of roadway come
into play. And, owners who want a fast getaway will notice improved cold-starts, thanks to fuel injection. Fortunately, the increase in efficiency hasn’t had an adverse effect on performance. The bigger Vespas, such as the 300 cc models, can reach a top speed of about 130 km/h, just like before, all the while delivering an endless supply of style and fun.
Better fuel efficiency also means lower emis-sions. “Vespas are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to contribute toward a cleaner, greener transportation landscape, and our new fuel-injected engine range makes it even sim-pler,” said Andy Reid, MD Vespa South Africa.
Vespa has been and continues to be synony-mous with fuel-efficiency and performance. The new i.e. feature upgrades Vespa into a power-ful league of its own, without compromising the long list of premium features.
All Vespas Now Fuel Injected
08 ISSUE 62
Peugeot RCZLaunched
The double hump rear window glass
flowing beautifully off the similarly
concave roof is inspired by Peugeot’s
Le Mans winning 908 HDi and was
conceived to feed airflow onto the rear spoiler
and increase downforce.
In the case of the RCZ this need is somewhat
reduced, but there is a spoiler which deploys
automatically at speed. The rest of the time it is
neatly tucked away to show off the avant-garde
lines of Peugeot’s newest sports coupe.
Although the RCZ is not just about aesthetics
it’s design is typically a celebration of French
flair. The fact that the exterior designer is a
young German should not be allowed to shatter
the illusion. So too I believe it is with design.
We assume a French person exuding the typical
flair and eccentricity must have been required
for so bold a design statement, particularly in
this segment. But in truth a stylish, but down to
earth and practical German sketched what will
be one of the iconic Peugeots.
But who cares? The car remains typically French
and the French had the courage to take a car
that differed only slightly from its well received
concept model, to production. That is what
matters.
So often manufacturers present a wonderful
concept design, but by the time the committee
has finished with it, it is a shadow of its former
self. Well done Peugeot. The exterior leaves the
interior with a lot to live up to. While I believe
the RCZ’s curvaceous roof is unbeatable, the
Peugeot interior designer’s attempt at keeping
up is admirable.
Firstly a leather covered dash with double
stitching sets the tone. In fact the two-tone in
the car I was driving was quite pleasing, but
these are choices owners can make.
The point is a high quality soft touch finish is
immediately apparent. So too are the well bol-
stered leather covered sports seats, complete
with embossed lion. It is true that a lion is al-
ways boss but the one Peugeot have adopted
for the RCZ is particularly prominent and repre-
It is not often that our main picture would feature a “three-quarter rear” view, usually “three-quarter front”. But in the case of Peugeot’s new RCZ it is so overwhelmingly obvious that this will be its most striking pose that it was the obvious choice.
French Style & Flair
10 ISSUE 62
sents the newest rendition of Peugeot’s famous
symbol.
If South Africa ever builds a car, it will have a
flower as a symbol because all our wildlife has
been used up. The Joule should have a joule
because it is completely invisible, but this is an-
other story altogether! Back in the real world
the RCZ sees something of a leap forward in
terms of steering and gearing.
The leather covered steering wheel is nice and
small and features a bottom cut-off. This sporty
feature is quite justified by fast precise steering
complementing good road-holding.
On the gearing side it is actually a nice precise
relatively short-throw stick that I prefer to op-
erate to the six speed manual box. The ride too
is excellent, provided you are not sitting in the
back seat, which only really provides enough
leg-room for a goldfish.
The suspension is pretty hard and the low pro-
file tyres on large 19 inch wheels do not partic-
ularly like Spanish potholes. These differ from
South African potholes mainly in that they are
neatly squared by a machine and are carefully
placed on the apexes of bends just to keep the
driver sharp.
The RCZ boot is extremely generous as a result
of the vehicle’s shape and the rear seat backs
can be folded down to extend this volume yet
further. It would appear three engine deriva-
tives will find their way to our shores, two pet-
rol and one diesel.
All turbocharged, the least powerful will be a
115 kW unit driving a six speed automatic gear-
box. It is sensible and considerate of Peugeot to
put all the silly stuff in one model and give the
better engines service.
The engines I refer to are the 147 kW / 275 Nm
turbo petrol, familiar to MINI Cooper S drivers
and the 120 kW / 340 Nm turbodiesel. From the
outside it is hard to imagine diesel in so pretty
a car. But the engine is very refined, and plenty
of torque makes it very easy to drive.
However, even as a diesel fan I have to say
the more powerful petrol engine would be my
choice. It was perky and more than anything
sounded just right. A lot of the reason for this
in the “don’t scare the rabbits” era is due to a
feedback system.
Peugeot has engineered a vibrating membrane
that picks up off the exhaust and feeds an am-
plified (but clean) version into the cabin. Quiet
on the outside sporty on the inside. The Peugeot
RCZ is unquestionably a desirable car. Price will
be the determining factor, we will know around
August when it arrives.
Glen Hill
11ISSUE 62
BMW 5 SeriesLaunched
With the longest wheelbase in
the segment, a long and sleek
engine compartment lid, short
overhangs front and rear and
a coupé-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5
Series stands out clearly from the competition.
BMW has been the most sustainable automo-
tive company worldwide and is one of the lead-
ers in the green movement with their efficient
dynamics program which includes brake force
regeneration on these models.
There are a total of six different engine variants
to choose from, ensuring that there is a 5 Se-
ries to fit every pocket and varying performance
needs. The top of the range BMW 550i comes
with an eight-cylinder boasting BMW TwinPower
Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection
for maximum output of 300 kW and 600 Nm.
The straight six with BMW TwinPower Turbo
in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of
225 kW, while the two straight six power units
featuring VALVETRONIC and bi-VANOS develop
190 kW in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 150
kW in the BMW 523i due to different engine
mapping. A straight-six diesel with the most
advanced technology gives the BMW 530d
maximum output of 180 kW and 540 Nm.
The 520d uses a four cylinder turbodiesel with
an aluminium crankcase and common-rail di-
rect injection to achieve maximum output of
135 kW and 380 Nm. It also sets the efficiency
benchmark in its segment as BMW claim that it
will only use 5.2 litres / 100 kilometres.
All engines come standard with an eight speed
automatic gearbox. This can be enhanced with
the sport option that adds real paddles, one on
the left for downshifts and one on the right for
upshifts.
The most advanced drivetrain and suspension
technologies ensure supreme sportiness and an
even higher standard of motoring comfort all in
one. At the same time optional Dynamic Driving
Control enables the driver to set the suspension
individually to his personal requirements. The
new 5 Series is available with Adaptive
Since 1972 the BMW 5 Series has been at the forefront of the upper midrange segment. Now in its 6th generation it is still at the forefront of the class in terms of dynamism, technology and design. The car was designed so that it will be instantly loved. It is a core model for the BMW portfolio and will certainly be a top seller as they have always been in the past.
Take Five And Come Alive
12 ISSUE 62
Drive encompassing Dynamic Damper Control
and Dynamic Drive stability control, as well as
BMW’s Integral Active Steering.
The body shell is 55 percent stiffer than the
predecessor and 50 kilograms lighter than be-
fore. The suspension design has been changed
to an Integral five link rear axle and double
wishbone front axle. Ride is dynamic as always,
yet comfortable.
Integral active steering helps out below 60
km/h when the rear wheels turn in the oppo-
site direction to the front, reducing the turning
circle by 0.5 metres. Above 60 km/h the rear
wheels turn in the same direction as the front,
easing steering with the same effect as length-
ening and shortening the wheelbase would.
There are also a number of innovative driver as-
sistance systems available in the 5 series range,
some of which are standard fitment while oth-
ers need to be added to the specification upon
order. These include Heads Up Display, Night
Vision, New PDC surround view, which gives an
birds eye view of the car on the camera as you
park and Park assistant which measures the
length of a roadside parking and will then steer
itself into the parking.
Other technological features that are available
include collision warning, active cruise control,
Stop & Go, lane change and lane departure
warning systems and a back up camera.
The BMW 5 Series in jam packed with technol-
ogy both inside the cabin and under the bonnet.
It features a fresh new design, and best of all
the pricing has not gone up drastically actually
even working out cheaper in some cases, if you
consider all the extra equipment that is now
standard fitment. This all ensures that the 5
series is still a great buy in the upper midrange
segment.
Pricing
550i R635 000
535i R546 000
530d R630 000
520d R485 000
528i R568 500
523i R479 000
Reuben van Niekerk
13ISSUE 62
LaunchedVolvo C30 & C70
Volvo has always been one of the leaders in producing large luxurious vehicles, and because of this they’ve kind of earned a reputation as an “old persons car”.
Graceful Exhilaration
15ISSUE 62
The image of the retired, slightly
greyed gentleman has become syn-
onymous with the Volvo brand, and
while this does lend a certain cul-
tured feel to Volvo’s it may also tend to discour-
age younger, more adventurous buyers. In re-
sponse to this Volvo launched it’s new “naughty
Volvo” campaign, which aims to add some flair
to the brand. And you can definitely see it in
the new face lifted versions of the C30 and C70,
which both look a lot sportier and sleeker than
their previous iterations.
So what exactly has been changed? Well, let’s
start with the C30 and work our way up. Al-
ready arguably the trendiest car in the Volvo
line-up, the C30 appeals to a wide range of
people’s and age groups and has gone on to
become one of the most popular Volvo’s, as its
stellar sales record has proven. This trendy ur-
ban hatchback stands out amongst the crowd
and will always turn a few heads, so what’s
been done to spruce it up a bit?
Well Volvo has given the C30 a very compre-
hensive makeover, the entire front has been
redesigned, including body panels such as
the front wings which gives the car a distinc-
tive new appearance. “By integrating greater
depth into the design language, the front has
become more dramatic and expressive. Along
with the angled lines of the front bumper, the
new headlamps, which now slant upward, rein-
force the impression of speed and sportiness,”
says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at
Volvo Cars.
On the front you’ll also find a new, larger Volvo
badge that seamlessly melds into the rest of
the design. The air intake has also been en-
larged and resembles the intake on the XC60
while a new honeycomb pattern on the grille
makes an appearance. Although the biggest de-
sign changes have taken place at the front, the
rear also sports the same deep new lines and
detailing. The black plastic panels have been
replaced with more body colour lower down, to
forge a closer visual contact between the car
and the road surface.
Other exterior changes include a trendy new
body colour for the car, named Orange Flame
Metallic, which looks very good on the C30.
There are also two new wheel options, and
for the first time white wheels are available if
you so choose. “The white wheels will no doubt
raise a few eyebrows,” says Michelle Naude,
“but that’s the point – the new C30 offers more
choice for those who dare to be different.”
A large number of interior changes have also
made their way into the new C30. Among other
things, there is now an all-new interior colour
known as Espresso / Blond, which consists of a
16 ISSUE 62
dark brown upper section and a blonde shade
on the lower door sides. You can also choose
the new Cranberry leather upholstery colour if
you really want to look different.
Volvo’s special centre console, or stack, as they
prefer to call it has also benefited from the
facelift. A new option, Oyster Burst Déco has
been added inspired by the surface textures of
classic Swedish Hagström guitars that enjoyed
international fame in the hands of greats such
as Elvis Presley. Hagström gave their guitars a
“burst” pattern that shifted subtly from light to
dark and back again, and this same pattern can
be seen in the centre console of the new Volvo
C30, how’s that for attention to detail?
And this amazing attention to detail can be
found throughout the entire car. A new acces-
sory styling kit includes foglamp décor, a front
skidplate and side scuff plates with an engraved
C30 logo and a rear skidplate with a stylish alu-
minium look. On the sporty T5 derivative you’ll
find two 90 mm tail pipes in polished stainless
steel, which underline the powerful engine. All
in all, the new C30 will sport twelve different
exterior body colours, eleven leather uphol-
stery choices and five decor inlays for the cen-
tre stack so you can easily customize your C30
to express yourself.
Now let’s take a look at the engine ranges avail-
able on the new C30. Locally there will be a 1.6
litre petrol manual producing 74 kW and 150
Nm, a 2.0 litre petrol in either manual or pow-
ershift that produces 107 kW and 185 Nm, and
then of course the amazing T5 R-Design cou-
pled with either a manual or Geartronic gear-
box. The R-Design package will be offered ex-
clusively with the 2.5 litre T5 engine capable of
producing an astonishing 169 kW and 320 Nm.
The T5 also makes use of turbocharger technol-
ogy to deliver the best performance possible.
A new sport chassis is now available as well,
standard on the T5 R-Design and an optional
extra on the C30 2.0 litre. Being sent through
a rigorous regime of testing from the Autobahn
to the icy roads of Scandinavia, this new chas-
sis is considerably sharper and stiffer than be-
fore. The steering is also more precise allowing
a ten percent faster response from the steering
wheel input.
The new Volvo C30 really seems like a winner
at this stage, building on the model’s unique
character by offering even more choice and ex-
clusivity to buyers.
So let’s move on to the C70, which underwent
a similar nip and tuck operation recently. Being
a fusion of hot coupe and sleek convertible, the
new C70 is set to appeal to a wide range of peo-
ple. With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals
17ISSUE 62
traces of the all-new Volvo S60, which was re-
cently unveiled in Geneva. As a result, the new
C70 now blends in with the larger models in the
Volvo range.
A lot of detail has gone into the C70’s facelift as
well, the front wings have been redesigned, the
nose is more wedge-shaped and the headlights
have been repositioned giving the C70 a more
dynamic look. An enlarged badge and air intake
also reinforces the powerful stance of the car
and owners who need more individuality can
opt for the stunning new colour, Flamenco Red
Pearl. The rear of the car has also been up-
dated; high-tech LED lamps of the same type
as found on the Volvo XC60 makes an appear-
ance and new lines and details have also been
integrated into the rear bumper.
As far as interior upgrades go, the instrument
panel has been redesigned giving it a wider,
sleeker look while the surface of the panel has
new textures that increase the quality feel of
the car. Exclusive new instruments, gauges and
graphics also make their way into this world-
class package. And then there’s the convertible
roof of course, the C70 will transform from a
sleek coupe to an open convertible in about 30
seconds with the press of a button. The three-
part steel roof quickly and silently folds away
disappearing neatly into the boot. I still mar-
vel at the engineering that goes on behind the
scenes in this sleek transformation. And let me
tell you, driving the new C70 with the roof down
and the wind in your hair will make you feel like
a celebrity in no time. The comfort and plea-
sure one gets from these cars is simply phe-
nomenal.
As with all Volvo’s, safety is a big concern, and
that’s why the C70 is one of the safest con-
vertibles on the market. But instead of listing
the number of airbags and head restraints as
usual (just know that there’s a lot) we’re go-
ing to take a look at Volvo’s famous rollover
protection system for the C70. Now we can all
imagine rolling in a convertible (while the roof
is down) is not going to be the most pleasant
experience of your day.
So to combat this Volvo has fi tted the C70 with
sturdy metal hoops that shoot up at the rear of
the vehicle, behind the rear seat passengers,
that creates a protective “compartment” should
the car roll over. The system, known as Volvo’s
Rollover Protection System or ROPS for short
is activated by a gyro-sensor in the car, so no
worries of it shooting out in a normal accident.
Since the C70 has a proper glass rear window,
the hoops will shoot through the glass if the
roof is up, they have therefore been fi tted with
small hardened metal spikes that break the
glass when the time is right.
Locally the new Volvo C70 will be available with
the excellent T5 engine which delivers 169 kW
and 320 Nm and will propel you to a top speed
of 240 km/h.
So if you’re in the market for a sophisticated
new driving experience I’d defi nitely recom-
mend either the C30 or C70, as they really are
in a class of their own in terms of style, indi-
viduality and of course, performance.
Pricing
Volvo C30 1.6 manual R227 400
Volvo C30 2.0 manual R255 700
Volvo C30 2.0 Powershift R271 200
Volvo C30 T5 R-Design manual R328 500
Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Geartronic R341 000
Volvo C70 T5 R529 600
Johan Keyter
Fiat 500 Cabriolet and MTALaunched
Using the saloon version as the start-
ing point, the introduction of the
soft top does not change the win-
ning characteristics of the model, it
still retains its four comfortable seats and boot
capacity.
Aerodynamic research means that the turbu-
lence experienced with the roof open has been
reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment
of the fresh air and the company of fellow pas-
sengers.
The soft top of the Fiat 500 Cabriolet stands out
for its elegant electrically controlled movements
and impressively finished and carefully selected
technical features. The automatic electric soft
top can be controlled either by buttons near the
interior ceiling light or from a remote control.
The five speed Dualogic gearbox which debuts
in the 500 MTA (Manual Transmission Auto-
mated) represents the next generation of se-
quential, robotised automatic transmissions. In
short this is said to be a clutchless manual box
with two modes (manual or automatic).
The main advantages of the system are ease
of use and a reduction in driver fatigue, par-
ticularly around town, because gearshifts can
be controlled automatically or manually. Under
sporty driving conditions, in other words high
revs and full throttle, gearshifts can be carried
out within a record time of 190 ms. The brilliant
1.4 litre 16 valve engine delivers 73.5 kW at 6
000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at
4 250 rpm and was developed with high perfor-
mance and low consumption in mind.
Fiat claim that this puts both the MTA and Cab-
riolet derivatives at the top of their class, with
top speeds of 182 km/h for both models and a
0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 11 seconds for the
cabriolet and 10.5 seconds for the MTA.
Fuel economy is impressive too, Fiat claim that
the Cabriolet, consumes only 6.1 litres / 100
km on the combined cycle, when equipped with
a manual gearbox. The 500 MTA is even more
impressive with claimed consumption figures of
5.8 litres / 100 km in the combined cycle. The
The Fiat 500 has not been the hottest seller in South Africa since its launch a few years ago. Mainly due to the initial pricing, Fiat have however recently introduced more affordable models and now you can even have a convertible version for under R200 000.
Automatically Topless
18 ISSUE 62
Fiat 500 is also the first car under four metres
to receive the five star Euro NCAP rating and
both the Fiat 500 Cabriolet and the MTA retain
all the safety components and features, both
active and passive, that place it among the
markets best in class.
The Fiat 500 Cabriolet is trimmed to Lounge
spec, which means you get many extras over
and above what you get on the 1.4 Pop (which
already boasts air conditioning, seven airbags,
electric windows and remote central locking).
The Cabriolet gets a full passive safety package
including ESP, ASR / MSR, HBA and Hill Holder,
as well as a chrome kit, 15 inch wheels, front
fog lamps and Blue&Me hands free system with
remote controls and a USB port.
The 500 MTA is trimmed to sport specification
which means you get all of the above, but with
a sport kit instead of the chrome detailing. Oth-
er extras include Sport seats, sport specific in-
terior colours and fabrics, a rear spoiler, chrome
tailpipe and chrome inserts on the door sills.
There is now a Cinquecento to suit every taste
and budget. The eco friendly 1.2 retails for
R135 000, followed by the 1.4 Pop with an
equally attractive price tag of R157 800 and
now the 1.4 Cabriolet and the 1.4 MTA Sport,
both retailing for just R197 600.
Reuben van Niekerk
19 ISSUE 62
LaunchedBMW X1
In 1999, when BMW launched the X5, they coined the term Sports Activity Vehicle, with it creating a whole new segment. They are once again innovaters of the market as they launch their X1 into the compact premium segment.
The Dirty One
21ISSUE 62
The BMW X1 opens up a new market
and offers a new driving experience
in the premium compact segment.
It expands and enhances the range
of BMW X models with yet another innovative
vehicle concept and literally gives buyers in this
segment, the ability to conquer new terrain.
Measuring 4.45 metres in length, this five door
SAV stands out clearly from every angle as a
BMW X model. The wheel arches are almost
square in their contours and, together with
the greater ground clearance and the silver-
coloured underfloor, emphasise the robust
qualities of the car. At the same time the BMW
X1 comes with outstanding aerodynamics.
Inside the X1 offers typical BMW driver orien-
tation and luxury cockpit design. The elevated
seating position, a generous feeling of space,
the wide range of storage options and the vari-
able interior offers ideal conditions for enjoying
the BMW X1, both in an urban environment and
beyond.
Top quality materials, striking surfaces and the
iDrive control system fitted in conjunction with
the optional navigation unit emphasise the pre-
mium character of the car.
Modern drivetrain technology gives the X1 su-
perior performance but also makes it one of the
most efficient vehicles when compared to simi-
larily performing premium competitors.
The xDrive23d is a 2.0 litre diesel engine with
an all aluminium crankcase, force fed by a BMW
TwinPower Turbo and common rail direct fuel
injection. This engine produces 150 kW at 4
400 rpm and 400 Nm from 2 000 rpm. BMW
claim this model boasts average fuel consump-
tion of 6.6 litres / 100 km.
The xDrive20d is also a 2.0 litre engine and is
boosted by a single turbocharger with variable
intake geometry. This enables it to produce 130
kW at 4 000 rpm and 350 Nm from 1 750 rpm.
For this model BMW claim an even more im-
pressive fuel consumption figure of 6.2 litres /
100 km.
The sDrive20d features the same engine as the
previous model but is only a rear wheel drive
model, allowing fuel consumption to drop down
to 5.6 litres / 100 km.
The last model in the lineup is the sDrive18i,
which will go on sale in June. It is a four cylin-
der 2.0 litre petrol engine featuring Valvetronic
and double-Vanos. It will produce 110 kW at
6 400 rpm and 200 Nm at 3 600 rpm. Aver-
age fuel consumption is said to be 8.2 litres /
100 km.
22 ISSUE 62
The BMW X1 xDrive23d comes as standard
with a six speed automatic transmission. This
automatic power transmission, also available
as a R16 000 option on all other versions of
the BMW X1 instead of the six speed manual
gearbox featured as standard, not only pro-
motes driving comfort, but also enhances the
agile driving behaviour of the most compact X
model.
Offering variable distribution of drive power be-
tween the front and rear wheels, BMW xDrive
permanent all-wheel drive improves both the
car’s agility and superior traction on rough
surfaces. Couple this to 194 mm ground clear-
ance and the X1 did not flinch on the rough dirt
tracks along the side of Table mountain.
All-wheel drive is naturally connected to DSC
Dynamic Stability Control and the engine man-
agement on the BMW X1, with sensors on the
wheels immediately detecting even the slight-
est slightest tendency to spin.
Within fractions of a second, therefore, the sys-
tem is able to vary the ratio of power distribu-
tion even before a wheel starts to spin, thus
effectively countering to over or understeer
tendencies in good time. Thanks to the su-
preme qualities of this system, BMW is indeed
the world’s most successful manufacturer of all-
wheel-drive vehicles in the premium segment.
And now this intelligent all-wheel drive is avail-
able for the first time in a compact vehicle.
As with all vehicles the X1 range offers upper
class technology, superior driving experience
and an efficient drivetrain. In the practicality
department it offers a semi-command driving
position, versatility, high ground clearance and
sturdy roof railings. The rear seats also split in
a 40 / 20 / 20 fashion, expanding from 420 to
1 350 litres. A further amenity is the separate
storage compartment beneath the floor of the
luggage compartment.
S drive models are of rear wheel drive con-
figuration and efficient thanks to their reduced
weight. The X-Drive features BMW’s successful
AWD system, hill descent control and perfor-
mance control as an option.
All versions of the BMW X1 come as standard
on 17 inch aluminium wheels. Another standard
feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, while stan-
dard Runflat tyres enable the driver to continue
to the nearest workshop even after a complete
loss of pressure. The BMW X1 features a spe-
cial body structure designed from the outset
for maximum occupant safety. Safety features
include three point inertia reel seat belts all
round, frontal and side airbags as well as head
airbags at the side, Adaptive Brake lights and
daytime driving lights.
The X1 brings together the versatile features
typical of a Sports Activity Vehicle with the driv-
ing characteristics, dynamic performance and
outstanding fuel economy and emissions of a
small sporty hatch.
Although the X1 has all this technology don’t
think it will ever be asked to do much more than
the daily commute or the school run, probably
winning over customers driving X3’s or those in
a 3 series looking for a more practical car with
the semi command driving position.
Pricing
xDrive23d R464 000 automatic only
xDrive20d R418 500 manual
sDrive20d R376 000 manual
sDrive18i R335 500 manual
Reuben van Niekerk
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Launched
The E-Class cabriolet is the perfect car
for drop top fans who want to drive
their cars all year round. The open-
top two door model, features a clas-
sic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure
cabriolet feeling.
Viewed from the side, the new model is an in-
triguing proposition, with clear proportions and
a flawless cabriolet silhouette. This car certainly
has the character to become a classic collectors
item in years to come.
An innovative feature is the AIRCAP which ad-
justs the air stream according to preference,
essentially keeping off wind and noise by the
push of a button, working in conjunction with
a wind blocker between the rear headrest. This
substantially reduces turbulence for all four
seat occupants. It can be activated at speeds of
up to 160 km/h and can remain in use right up
to the car’s top speed.
Another cabriolet innovation is the Airscarf, this
warm flow of air at the front passenger neck
level is now adjustable, making drop top driving
possible in cold weather conditions.
In this model an adjustment wheel pivots the
outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a to-
tal of 36 degrees over and above the head re-
straint height adjustment range, meaning that
the driver and front passenger can enjoy the
unique neck-level heating regardless of how
short or tall they are. In conjunction with the
seat warmers and air conditioning this creates
a sea of warm air in the interior.
The acoustic soft top can be opened and closed
fully automatically in 20 seconds, even when
driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. With the
roof closed noise levels are very low, just as
one would expect from this class of luxury car.
The E-Class Cabriolet is available with the
choice of two different engines. The E350 Cab-
riolet is powered by the proven V6 engine, it
produces 200 kW and 350 Nm from 3 000 rpm.
Already boasting a sedan, estate and coupe in the lineup, the E-Class range reaches comple-tion with the launch of the E-Class Cabriolet, a car Mercedes-Benz describe as ideal for four seasons and four passengers.
Blowing The Lid Off
24 ISSUE 62
Equipped with this engine Mercedes-Benz say
it takes just 6.9 seconds to accelerate from
0 – 100 km/h while using 9.8 litres / 100km.
The powerful E500, equipped with a V8 engine
develops 285 kW and 530 Nm making it ca-
pable of a claimed 0 – 100 km/h sprint time
of 5.3 seconds and fuel consumption of 11.0
litres / 100 km. This engine provides a blend
of high output and torque yield with exemplary
refinement and effortlessly superior agility. The
seven speed automatic transmission comes as
standard on both models
With the same safety ratings as the sedan range,
the E-Class cabriolet offers the best safety fea-
tures in its class. Highlights of the open top two
door model include roll over protection, the A
pillars reinforced by two additional tubes and
the plug in B pillars. This new model is also the
first Mercedes cabriolet to feature headbags.
There is of course also all the regular E-Class
safety measures including seven airbags, belt
tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats as
well as Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, the sophis-
ticated Intelligent Light System and Distronic
Plus proximity control.
As with the coupe version, there will also be
no AMG derivative of the cabriolet, but one
can purchase an AMG sports package for R30
000. This package adds new bumpers, wheels
as well as sportier damping and steering to an
already dynamically good drive.
Pricing
E350 Cabriolet R770 000
E500 Cabriolet R900 000
Reuben van Niekerk
25ISSUE 62
The original DS was years ahead of the
competition in terms of design and
technology and was third in the car
of the century competition.
The new DS3 is the first vehicle in the new DS
lineup. The name was used as it symbolises
avante garde styling, creativity, modernity and
innovative technology.
But unlike many other retro models, the only
thing that this new model really shares with its
grandfather is the name. Citroën are labelling
the car as anti-retro, leaving the past behind
and rather making history instead of repeating
it. Basing the new DS3 on the same ideas as its
predecessor but with a completely new design.
The DS3 is all about customising your vehicle
to be unique to your own taste. With 11 body
colours, four roof colours, three colours for the
17 inch wheels and five colours for the 16 inch
wheels, the combinations are almost endless.
Furthermore, there are four roof themes avail-
able in funky designs ranging from a Tribal pat-
tern to Zebra stripes. Inside there are seven
dashboard colours and various seat and interior
trim options.
The mirrors and wheel centre caps are also
coloured to match the roof while the gearknob
is available in seven different colours. Even the
key plip features a disc in the same colour as
the body paint, so that people always have a
little piece of their DS3 on them. Other options
include leather seats, a connecting box, auto-
matic air conditioning, colour coded wheels and
the themes. There is also a ‘Techno pack’, for
drivers looking to add more comfort and a ‘De-
sign pack’ for those looking to add more style
to the car.
In the class Citroën claim that the DS3 is one of
the more compact vehicles in terms of exterior
dimensions yet the most spacious inside with
the biggest boot capacity.
And this is not just claims, four average sized
adults will easily travel in comfort inside the
DS3. It gets the most out of its exterior dimen-
sions through intelligent architecture.
More and more motor manufacturers seem to be following the fashion of introducing retro models or remakes of successful past classics that have been modernised. The newest of these is the DS3, which Citroën are calling anti-retro.
Back To The Future
LaunchedCitroën DS3
26 ISSUE 62
For example, the dashboard is set high up to
increase leg room and the slim back seats and
estate car style rear design free up room in the
back.
Some of the standard equipment includes ESP,
six airbags, cruise control with speed limiter
and daytime running lights, which are things
that one wouldn’t normally expect to see as
standard fitment in this class and price range.
The chassis and running gear, with MacPher-
son type suspension at the front and a flex-
ible traverse beam at the rear, are the result
of high precision development work. Springing
and damping have been developed to read the
road, with excellent body roll control and im-
pressive poise in corners, while remaining easy
to handle.
The DS3 combines driving pleasure with every-
day ease of use. Its on road assurance gives it
crisp reactions and top level control and safe-
ty. Citroën has also made remarkable efforts
to keep the weight of the DS3 to a minimum,
while using a new development plant to ensure
robustness.
The DS3 is available with two petrol engines.
The first being a 1.6VTi boasting 88 kW and
mated to a five speed manual transmission.
With this engine they claim a fuel consumption
figure of 5.9 litres / 100 km.
The second engine option is the 1.6 THP that
produces 115 kW and 240 Nm thanks to tur-
bocharging. It is mated to a six speed manual
gearbox and Citroen claim a fuel consumption
of 6.7 litres / 100 km.
With no compromises on passenger safety, the
DS3 is fitted with ESP, ABS, EBD and EBA. Pas-
sive safety is also top level, with six airbags,
three point seat belts and Isofix anchor points
in the rear side seats all fitted as standard.
All models come with a three year / 100 00 km
warranty and three year roadside assistance.
Pricing
DS3 1.6 VTi Style R199 000
DS3 1.6 VTi Style Design Pack R209 500
DS3 1.6 VTi Style Techno Pack R211 000
DS3 1.6 THP Sport R255 000
Reuben van Niekerk
27ISSUE 62
The ix35 seems set to continue mak-
ing more headway into the crucial
Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) mar-
ket. Years after the Korean car com-
pany fixed its reliability issues they continue
being a force to be reckoned with in the motor-
ing world. Hyundai is now producing cars which
aren’t just affordable, they’re damn good look-
ing and great to drive.
And having been impressed with the i10, i20
and i30 we were really looking forward to see-
ing what the ix35 would bring to the table. And
it didn’t disappoint, as the vehicle was unveiled
for the first time at the wonderful Legends Golf
and Safari resort; bathed in light and surround-
ed by a halo of stage smoke and sitting atop a
revolving platform, your jaw couldn’t help but
drop in admiration. Hyundai decided to move
away from the distinctly hatchback proportions
of the car and to create something sleeker with
the ix35. This new direction in design later
became known as “fluidic” design and it finds
confident expression in the sweeping, gently
curved lines which flow throughout the car.
The new ix35 is longer and wider than the Tuc-
son, but it is slightly lower, emphasizing its
athletic appeal. Interior cabin space has been
greatly improved and overall height has been
decreased without affecting headroom. One
of the key design features on the new ix35 is
the hexagonal grille, this defining characteristic
is set to serve as a unifying feature in future
Hyundai products, much like you can instantly
recognize a BMW by looking at the nose of the
car.
But let us change our perspective and take a
look at what’s going on inside the car. An ad-
ditional 40 mm of space is available in the front
ensuring even the tallest people will be com-
fortable inside. Rear leg-and-headroom is but
a few millimeters shy of a full metre and large
door apertures confirm that Hyundai didn’t
forget about the people in the back. The rest
of the interior is also ergonomically designed
for the modern commuter with a large centre
The latest and the greatest of Hyundai’s i-series cars have finally arrived, the ix35, and it looks set to become as much of a success for Hyundai as the Tucson was before it. And now the ix35 seems set to continue Hyundai’s domination of the market.
exactly this all works. In total there will be six
models available for the ix35, four of which are
powered by the sophisticated new Theta-II pet-
rol engine in either 2.0 or 2.4 litre capacities.
The remaining two models features the impres-
sive new R type 2.0 litre CRDi turbodiesel en-
gines. So how do the ix35’s under-the-bonnet
muscle flexing compare? Well the base 2.0 litre
Theta-II engine produces 122 kW and 197 Nm
while its big brother boasts 130 kW and 227 Nm
of torque. The R Type turbodiesel has the same
amount of power as the 2.4 petrol engine but
combine that with 392 Nm of torque, available
all the way from 1 800 to 2 500 rpm and you’re
dealing with an entirely different animal.
As far as the drivetrain goes you get the choice
of 4x4 versions in the R Type turbodiesel and
the 2.4 litre petrol mated to six-speed auto
boxes while the 2.0 litre petrols are mated to
either five speed manual or six speed automatic
transmissions.
One of the few issues the ix35 has makes an
appearance on the diesel versions, they are de-
signed to run on 50 ppm diesel which is a more
refined version of the fuel than we’ve been used
to in Africa. The good news is that there are
several filling stations in the country which sells
the fuel by now, just no trekking into Botswana
for a few weeks without thinking it through thor-
oughly. I don’t have enough room here to fully
explain all the features of the ix35, which in it-
self can be seen as a good thing. Just know that
the ix35 drives like a dream, whether crawling
along a beaten track behind a game viewing
vehicle (which we did) or flying across a pot-
hole riddled dirt road at 100 km/h + (which we
did) or cruising the highways at speeds I rather
won’t mention here (which we did), through all
this the ix35 came out without a scratch or hic-
cup and ready for more.
This wonderful vehicle can be yours from as
little as R239 000 for the base model and as al-
ways you’ll get Hyundai’s wonderful guarantees
in the form of a five year / 100 000 km service
plan and a five year / 150 000 km manufactur-
er’s warranty on all versions of the ix35, truly
good value for a truly good car I’d say.
Pricing
2.0 GL 4X2 Manual R239 900
2.0 GLS 4X2 Manual R264 900
2.0 GLS 4X2 A/T R274 900
2.4 GLS 4X4 A/T R319 900
R2.0 GLS 4X2 Manual R299 900
R2.0 GLS 4X4 A/T R369 900
Johan Keyter
Mark Jones
And now after spending a week with
the car, I can now confirm that it
is the ultimate in luxury and it is
still pointless, but I must say that
it’s still the fastest and best kind of pointless I
have driven in a very long time and I truly get
why somebody would pay the R1 632 500 for
the privilege.
Right up front you get every type of luxury you
can think of from both a driver point of view
and a passenger, as in chauffeured, view. For-
get the basic SatNav, climate control and full
leather, that is for mere normal luxury sedans,
think comprehensive rear DVD system, mas-
saging and heated rear seats and only then will
you begin to realise that this car can cater for
your every need.
Talking of needs, and this is where the 760Li
moves into a class all on its own, is in the power
and drive department. This car is the perfect
example of wanting something simply because
you want it, and this want is a silky smooth and
powerful 6.0 litre V12 Twin Turbo that makes
for an astoundingly quick limo.
Producing 400 kW of power at 5 250 rpm and
a tar shredding 750 Nm of torque from as low
as 1 500 rpm, this BMW races through the
standard test distances faster than a potential
owner can get his overseas forex broker on the
phone.
Not that I see too many owners of 760Lis doing
too much robot to robot racing, but I can assure
you, all they have to do is plant the accelerator
and they will blast to 100 km/h in a mere 5.06
seconds via the all new eight speed auto box
and blow away most without even knowing that
they did so. The 1 km sprint comes up in 23
seconds at 230 km/h along with a very limited
top speed of 246 km/h should Jeeves feel the
need to sample some prison food courtesy of
our local traffic authorities and waste around
20 litres of 95 octane fuel for every 100 km
travelled.
And then of course being a BMW means that
even though this is a heavy 7 Series luxury
sedan, it handles as well as cars that are far
lighter and that are also claimed to be more
nimble. Also as to be expected safety is out of
the top drawer with multiple airbags, DSC and
even night vision all doing their bit to ensure
that you get to spend that forex on a new yacht
and not on medical expenses. In wrapping up,
I think BMW says it best when they brag, “The
new BMW 7 Series already sets the benchmark
in luxury performance motoring – and now
BMW is moving up the standard of maximum
exclusivity and supremacy in this supreme class
to an even higher level, following a completely
new definition: The new BMW 760Li now takes
over the top position within BMW South Africa’s
model portfolio, representing the highest level
of motoring refinement in its segment.”
When the BMW 760Li was launched a few months ago I called it the ultimate in luxury, but I also said it was pointless as I felt that you could get to your board meetings in round about the same state of relaxation for about R700 000 less.
simply because as I said already, it is different.
Inside you are just as well taken care of as you
would be in any German marque, with every-
thing I could see and want listed as standard
fitment. My family certainly didn’t complain
once when we took a trip out to Sun City for a
function. Right from leather seats to Bluetooth
connectivity, and a space ‘gap’ measurement
system in the middle, it is all there. While on
the subject, I could maintain a decent speed
on the trip, without anybody doing any in car
speedo checking. This is thanks mainly to the
Hydractive III+ active suspension that actively
adjusts the spring and damper rates to account
for your input and road conditions.
The soft mode provides optimum comfort,
which was the setting I used almost exclusively,
as that is the nature of the car, and I will get to
why this is in a moment. There is a firmer set-
ting and a sport mode, but make no mistake,
this car does not like to be thrown about and
will squeal in protest should you push it like
you would say a more dynamic and driver ori-
entated BMW.
On paper the C5 puts out 177 kW and 450 Nm,
which seems rather lively, but there is a fair
amount of lag before anything happens and a
bit of weight to contend with, so relaxed is a
better suited description than manic. I guess
that is also why Citroën didn’t include any test-
ed performance figures in their press release.
But as we do with most, we put the C5 against
‘the clock’ and it ran to 100 km/h in a leisurely
9.93 seconds on the way to a very average
235 km/h top speed and an equally average
10 litres / 100 km of diesel usage. But there
is more to this car than just outright speed, it
has style, space, luxury and a comprehensive
safety package that sees all bases being cov-
ered when it comes to living with it on a daily
basis. I am sure that those of you who do opt
for the C5 will be happy, but I unfortunately
can’t see myself choosing this car over one of
the German marques.
The French manufacturers are on a charge, they are entering into segments and price brack-ets that they have never been in before in SA. The first of these test cars to come past my desk, so to speak, is the Citroën C5.
Comfy family hatchbacks aren’t usually too concerned with looking stylish, or flashy, or sporty, or pretty for that matter. But the new Mégane hatch from Renault does just those things, and it’s an all-round family hatchback to boot.
Johan Keyter
Tested Renault Mégane 1.9 dCi
Cruising in Comfort
33 ISSUE 62
2
Porsche 911 Turbo PDKTested
As an independent road test special-
ist and the Editor of this publica-
tion, I have in my time tested many,
many cars. Some slow, some aver-
age and some seriously fast, but the new 911
Turbo simply rewrites the record books, and by
some way too! In fact I will go so far as to say
that the only car that will be able to better this
feat will be another Porsche.
So how fast is fast? Arm the launch control and
release the brake and this 911 Turbo blasts to
100 km/h in a lightning quick 3.32 seconds.
That’s right, 3.32 seconds! 200 km/h comes in
11.24 seconds with a mere 400m of tar being
covered in the process. The flying 1km time is
taken care of in 20.62 seconds at a heady 256
km/h. Top speed came in at a limited 318 km/h
with the speedo reading an eye watering and
pulse quickening 330.
Being equipped with Porsche’s ultra smooth and
quick PDK auto box means that these phenom-
enal times can be repeated over and over with-
out a great deal of fuss.
And then once you have finished conquering
the world and destroying all types of wheeled
foe that has come before you, you can slip back
into leisurely mode and commute to work in ab-
solute luxury just like a less evil person might.
This combination of 368 kW of power and 650
Nm of torque pumping out of the new direct
fuel injection 3.8 litre twin turbo powerplant
and the already mentioned seven speed box
has caused me to utter words I thought I would
never have done so in my lifetime as a motor-
ing enthusiast. And that is to say that I would
opt for the PDK over the six speed manual, it
is that good!
Getting away from the adrenalin overdose for
just a moment, I thought I would mention that
fuel consumption for the high speed work went
only as high as 16 litres / 100 km and when
driven with restraint I even saw this figure dip
into the low 10s, with an average of 12 litres
Porsche called it the most fuel efficient and powerful top of the range 911 of all time when it was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. We simply call it the fastest car we have ever tested in the history of our magazine.
but with the added practicality. Or for a car with
a higher driving position than a 7 Series but
without the need for the AWD capability of an
X5.
We put the 530d model through its paces. This
is the least powerful engine in the range, yet
it still produces 180 kW and 540 Nm. Which is
more than enough for taking the kids to school
or fetching your groceries from the store, al-
though if you drive this car, you probably have
your groceries delivered. Okay then designer
store bags, which will travel comfortably in the
440 litres of boot space, expandable to 1 700
litres and accessed by a rather unique bi-modal
boot opening. This engine is coupled to an eight
speed automatic transmission, which combines
gearshift comfort, dynamic performance and
efficiency. The moment you slide into, or is that
climb into the drivers seat, you feel at home,
you know you are in a BMW. This car honours
the BMW slogan of sheer driving pleasure, first
and foremost it is a drivers car, with great dy-
namic ability that allows it to be thrown around
like a 3 Series, if need be. Yet it retains its poise
as a comfortable, stable high speed cross coun-
try tourer. Coupled to the Vbox equipment it
sprinted to 100 km/h in 8.14 seconds, through
the ¼ mile in 16.04 seconds on its way to a true
top speed of 242.61 km/h, which is certainly
enough to mess up your hairdo.
The interior is typical BMW and in the GT that
includes almost every luxury and gadget imag-
inable. Rear seat comfort and entertainment
is in the super luxury league of the 7 Series,
if not better, as these seats can even recline.
The long wheelbase and heavily crowned coupe
roofline means there’s plenty of leg and head-
room, especially for rear seat passengers.
If you are looking for a BMW that stands out
from the crowd, even if it is just because people
are wondering what it is, then the 5 Series Gran
Turismo is definitely worth a second look.
Reuben van Niekerk
BMW 530d Gran TurismoTested
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is like nothing else seen before as it combines space, com-fort and variability in a truly unique style. Combining the best of a luxury saloon, versatile SAV and classic Gran Turismo to create a car that is like nothing else.
Something Old, Something New
36 ISSUE 62
SPECIFICATIONSBMW 530d Gran Turismo Six cylinder turbocharged diesel180 kW @ 4 000 rpm540 Nm @ 1 750 Nm 8.14 seconds 16.04 seconds @ 141.90 km/h29.18 seconds @ 181.64 km/h 242.61 km/h @ 4 200 in 7th gear R766 800
thing on the road and also have that little bit of
French flair thing going on. Of course this exact
point means that just as many will hate Renault
styling as will love it.
The Laguna Coupe is going to be no different,
no fence sitting here. It is good enough to make
most look twice. I like it! But the big acid test
for Renault is not going to be styling, drive,
safety etc. It is going to be looking after a cus-
tomer who is spending a substantial amount of
money on car.
So what does it go like? Push the start button
and a pleasantly sounding 3.5 litre V6 comes
to life. Producing a meaty 175 kW at 6 000
rpm along with 330 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm
means that most of driving needs are well taken
care of. I just felt that the car could have done
with a sport type button for the six speed auto
box. Smooth it was, and it even had a manual
mode, not that you would use it much with this
type of car, but it could have done with a slight
change in temperament when called upon. Be
this as it may, it still got to 100 km/h in less
than 9 seconds and went onto a true top speed
of 240 km/h, with a fuel consumption figure
that went to about 12.5 litres / 100 km at the
end of the day.
All your safety needs are taken care of as you
would expect from a car like this, but what the
Laguna also offers is a 4Control chassis. What
this means in a nutshell is that the rear wheels
also turn in relation to steering input and speed,
and this is said to aid dynamics and safety.
To be honest, I couldn’t feel them do their work,
but then I guess I am not meant to. For a big
car it handled pretty well and would make a po-
tential owner happy in terms of the corner grip
and ease of manoeuvrability it offers.
Now being inside the Laguna is also pleasant
as it is a real 2+2 Coupe with enough room for
most in the back, including my daughter’s kit-
ten that had to be rushed to the vet as she ate
a needle and a bunch of thread in her quest to
explore the entire world in a single day. Any-
way, back to my pet ambulance. Besides decent
space, I also like the fact that the interior is fin-
ished in quality black leather, soft touch plastic
and some tasteful aluminium.
I can tell you that the Renault Laguna Coupe is
the best premium French offering I have driven
to date, and it comes with a very comprehen-
sive five year / 150 000 km warranty and a five
year / 100 000 km maintenance plan.
Just the other day I wrote about the first premium French car to ‘come across my desk’ for testing. And now I can tell you about the second, the R499 000 Renault Laguna Coupe 3.5 AT. The first left me feeling luke warm at best, will the Renault be any different?
its 2.0 litre naturally aspirated competition. You
can throw this car around with ease and rela-
tive pace without any of that mad scrabbling
of the front wheels like you would get with the
others.
You also get enough interior room and boot
space to keep any family man happy, safety in
the form of VDC stability control to keep things
safe and sound, and a three year / 63 000 km
maintenance plan to keep the daily running
costs down.
The car makes sense in terms of spec, practi-
cality and safety, and I am sure for quite a few
potential owners too, but it is just not for me.
It is quite difficult for me to sum up my time
with the 2.0 RS, because I guess I am just like
many others out there who can’t seem to get
their head around a Scooby unless it jumps off
the line in a blur of turbocharged fury.
The first thing you have to do when dealing with the Subaru Impreza 2.0 RS Sedan is to get your head around the fact that this car is not the rip snorting WRX derivatives. Do that suc-cessfully and you might be able to live with the RS on a daily basis. Don’t and you will be left pulling your hair out in frustration.
Land Speed Records are nothing new, but they are not attempted all that often in South Africa, but we can report that at the ODI Raceway outside Pretoria on the 7th April 2010 this all changed.
FeaturedRecord Breaking
BMWs & Isuzus Break Records
40 ISSUE 62
Both cars ran faultlessly and the times achieved
were backed up within the regulatory one hour
window period, while Motorsport South Africa
representatives kept a close eye on proceed-
ings to ensure that everything was conducted
as per the rule book. The real relevance of this
feat becomes clear when you are informed that
both the cars, whilst being turbocharged by af-
termarket BMW specialists, Savspeed Auto, ran
in street legal form at only 1.2 bar boost and
were shod with over the counter everyday Yo-
kohama Advan Sport rubber.
What this means is that there were no stripped
out interiors, plastic windows, NOS or special
drag type slick tyres used on the day, and
this was mainly done in the interest of seeing
what these everyday cars could do against the
clock and also set the bench mark for future
challengers to come and compete with similar
street cars and not out and out race cars.
And staying with the record breaking stuff, just
after I had finished blasting down the straights
with my BMW, I took part in the 72 hour record
break mission with Isuzu.
A group of 51 Drivers (including 14 media, 6
GMSA Engineers, Gerotek Test Drivers and a
number of professional drivers) set off on a
mission to break a number of existing South
African speed and distance records for diesel
bakkies over 72 hours. For the mission General
Motors nominated three Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ
LWB LE bakkies, and two Isuzu KB 250 D-Teq
Extended Cab LE bakkies.
To achieve the goal of exceeding the previous
overall distance record at least one of the Isuzu
KB 300 D-TEQ single cab bakkies was required
to average more than 160 km/h, including time
in the pits for refuelling and tyre changes.
To achieve the goal the drivers worked in shifts
with each of them facing an average 2 hours 30
minutes in the car at a time (as per MSA safety
regulation).
At the end of the 72 hours the leading KB 300
D-TEQ bakkie had completed 12 243.385 km
at an average speed of 170.047 km/h over 72
hours smashing the previous distance record by
722.721 km.
The Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ rewrote the record
book for its class and set new overall records
for diesel bakkies over the 72 hour endurance
event. The KB 250 D-TEQ fared equally well
with the KB 250 D-TEQ beating the previous
class record of 11 024 km (previously held by
a 3.0 litre diesel) by 471 km with a new record
distance of 11 495.567 km.
In the quest for a new set of overall speed
and distance records over 72 hours the Isuzu
team rewrote 15 overall speed and distance
records. “Isuzu’s slogan: ‘Isuzu delivers’ cer-
tainly proved true here this week through this
event,” says Malcolm Gauld, Vice President of
Sales and Marketing at GMSA. “Taking on the
challenge of breaking these relatively new 72
hour speed and distance records has allowed us
to demonstrate the tough constitution of these
bakkies, their efficiency, reliability, and durabil-
ity under the most arduous conditions,” contin-
ued Gauld.
“A fundamental of the record breaking perfor-
mance of our vehicles was their ability to per-
form perfectly and efficiently throughout the 72
hours. Any time spent in the pits for refuelling
and tyre changes is against the clock with dis-
tance lost for every second of down time. The
whole record process was observed by MSA
(Motorsport South Africa).” The record breaking
vehicles ran flat out over the 72 hours without
a single fault to provide an emphatic statement
of confidence for us and our customers,” con-
cluded Gauld.
Mark Jones
41ISSUE 62
Land Rover Discovery 4 Featured
Every December millions of families make the trek down to the coast along the N3 and have to fight through busy toll gates and overcrowded petrol stations and restaurants. So at the end of last year, not in the mood for this congestion and convinced that there must be a less busier route with more to see, I started planning.
Discovering The Back Roads
Armed with the brand new Land Rov-
er Discovery 4 and a mapbook I set
out to find an interesting different
route for our trip down to Durban
for the holidays. My dad always used to say
that your holiday begins the minute you leave
your driveway and not only when you arrive at
your destination.
Heidelberg, Balfour, Greylingstad, Standerton,
Volksrust, Utrecht, Ulundi, Melmoth, Eshowe,
Tugela, was the route that we decided on, but
looking at the map, there are a lot of different
routes that can be taken, depending on what
you want to see and how much time you have
on your hands.
Our route started off with a quick blast down
the highway, we then climbed off the N3 just
before Heidelberg and the first toll gate. The
roads in this area are nice and wide, but the
only real scenery between towns at this point
was mielie field after mielie field as we passed
through Greylingstad, Standerton and then
Volksrust.
Towing a trailer, especially a small one, with a
big car like the Discovery can sometimes be a
pain because one can not really see the trailer
through any of your mirrors. But the Discovery
has not been labelled the best tow vehicle in
the world for nothing.
The clever camera system consisting of five
cameras means you can choose the view
you want and enlarge on the centre screen,
allowing you to see the entire trailer on the
screen in the middle console. The clever guide-
lines shown on the screen when reversing, help
to simplify this task of a reversing the trailer.
The open road and good music go hand in hand
and thankfully the audio system of the Discov-
ery 4 did not disappoint. The Harmon Kardon
speakers and excellent iPod connectivity and
control keep all passengers delightfully enter-
tained.
Our next stop was the small town of Memel.
This district is renowned for its spectacular
scenery, with rolling upland grasslands, moun-
tains, sandstone cliffs, river valleys and exten-
sive wetlands. The largest of these wetlands in
the Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve, borders on the
northern outskirts of the town of Memel.
Seekoeivlei is one of a handful of South African
wetlands that enjoy international RAMSAR sta-
tus as such South Africa has an international
obligation and responsibility to conserve this
wetland, including its diverse fauna and flora.
The Memel area is also becoming better known
as a prime birding destination, as it plays host
to a number of South African endemic bird spe-
cies, as well as a number of Red Data Book spe-
43ISSUE 62
cies. Examples of these “specials’ include Rudd’s
& Botha’s Lark, the Yellow-breasted Pipit, Blue
Korhaan, Ground Woodpecker, Buff-streaked
Chat, Sentinel Rock Thrush and Bush Blackcap.
Wattled, Grey Crowned and Blue Crane also oc-
cur and breed in the area.
We then travelled along through Newcastle and
Utrecht in the direction of Vryheid and then
onto a short section of dirt road as we wanted
to visit the Battle of Blood River site.
On 16 December 1838 the Battle of Blood River
took place near the Ncome River in KwaZulu
Natal. The battle was between the Zulu’s and
the Voortrekkers. About 10 000 - 20 000 Zulu
warriors led by Dingane’s generals Dambuza
(Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi attacked the
Voortrekkers, but the 470 Voortrekkers, with
the advantage of gun powder, warded them
off.
The battle began at dawn and was over by
midday. More than 3 000 Zulu casualties
were counted around the laager. Only three
Voortrekkers (including Voortrekker leader Pre-
torius) were wounded, none were killed. The
Ncome River became red with the blood of the
slain. Hence the river became known as “Blood
River”.
After our visit and still on the dirt we crossed
the actual Ncome river, and continued on this
good dirt road in the direction of Melmoth, the
scenery here changes as one passes many
small rural villages with huts built in the tradi-
tional Zulu style. Close to the town of Melmoth
we got onto the tar road once again and this
would prove to be our worst stretch of road on
the journey.
Many people use the argument that they will
rather pay the toll money and have the insur-
ance that the roads will be good and pot hole
free. But to be honest the alternative road was
rather pleasant, it was only really the 70 km
stretch into Melmoth, that was riddled with pot-
holes, but this was no problem for the Discov-
ery 4.
Between Melmoth and Eshowe we discovered a
vintage car graveyard as us classic enthusiasts
like to call it. Unfortunately they were closed
but a peer over the fence revealed that there
are still lots of salvegable parts. It is sad to see
all these cars rusting away.
From here we jumped on the nice twisty R34 to
Empangeni and then onto the N2 for a short stint
to our destination on the Natal North Coast. To-
tal toll gates passed, one. Damage due to bad
roads, none, driving the new Discovery is just
great, it can go anywhere, tow anything, the
sound of the diesel engine is very quiet inside
the engine and it doesn’t drink fuel like many
off roaders tend to do. Inside the cabin is stylish
44 ISSUE 62
and extremely comfortable and the boot tends
to swallow up much more than you expected.
One of the best all round vehicles I have driven
in a long time. Although there were multiple
fuel stations in every town we passed through,
the Discovery 4 TDV6, doesn’t fall into the cat-
egory of gas guzzling SUV’s. Even fully loaded
and towing a small trailer we easily achieved a
figure of 9.5 litres / 100 km.
The power and torque of this engine is acces-
sible across most of the rev range, making for
immediate throttle response over tough off road
obstacles and great highway cruising ability
The iconic exterior has been updated, most ob-
viously with smoother and simpler surfaces at
the front, including a new, more aerodynamic
bumper.
The sportier new lights help give the vehicle
new character, and include LED technology front
and rear. The good looks attracted onlookers
and wherever I went people commented on the
great new looks of the vehicle. Land Rover has
got it right to combine style and comfort of a
quintessential British sports car with go any-
where ability and versatility second to none.
00 ISSUE 61
Reuben van Niekerk
Land Rover Constantia Kloof
243 J G Strydom dr , Weltevredenpark , 1719TEL: 011 671 8000
The Toyota Rust de Winter Jamboree has become an institution on the calendar. Every year hundreds of families make the trek to Rust de Winter for a weekend of family fun in the out-doors, with some serious 4x4 competition thrown in for good measure
The Playground Of Legends
50 ISSUE 62
This weekend certainly has a winning
recipe as it has been organised by
the 4x4 ATV club since 1978 and is as
popular as ever with around 180 en-
tries in 2010. These participants drive a vary-
ing number of off road vehicles but the major-
ity choose Toyota’s as their weapon of choice
from vintage Land Cruiser and Hiluxes in every
shape, form, model and level of modification.
The actual competition element of the week-
end is a 4x4 and 4x2 jamboree event of ap-
proximately 60 kilometres held at the Rust de
Winter campsites, 100 kilometres North East of
Pretoria.
The event consists of different sections of cross
country routes over four wheeling terrain. In
essence it is a social family event open to four
wheel drive, SUV and two wheel drive vehicles
with diff lock. But make no mistake, just be-
cause it is a family event don’t think that this
competition is not taken seriously.
The sections are designed to test driver and ve-
hicles ability to traverse difficult terrain, to read
map instructions and decode clues.
Some of the rules include that all vehicles need
to be roadworthy and that only standard tyres
rated for use on the road and with a minimum
speed rating of 100 km/h are permitted.
The layout of the course also means that it is
extremely spectator friendly with viewers being
able to get right up close to the action.
This years course and obstacles were made
even more difficult due to heavy rains lead-
ing up to the event, but this certainly did not
dampen the spirits of the hundreds of the com-
petitors. Ensuring that this remains a family
event, each vehicle must have a male and fe-
male occupant.
The obstacles are designed to test 4x4 driving
skills and vehicle handling but many have a fun
element to them. Examples of this are the axle
twister where the passenger has to balance golf
balls on table spoons like one does in an egg
and spoon race. The dirtiest obstacle had to be
the mud towing obstacle where one occupant
is towed through the mud in a sled while trying
to score points throwing rings over the cones
that denote the course. There was luckily a cold
shower to help you clean up afterwards.
Another obstacle sees the passenger having to
hold a shallow tray of water while a steep up
and down course is navigated, the water is then
measured at the end of the course and points
deducted according to how much was spilt.
Trailer reversing and unhooking was also tested
51 ISSUE 62
against the stop watch and made for some en-
tertaining viewing.
The Sunday mountain trial, closed to spectators
due to inaccessibility, offered varied and test-
ing terrain to competitors ranging from steep
climbs and river crossings, declines, loose
gravel and mud, this was especially popular be-
tween the SUV owners looking for a good day
out with the family.
Children were again, in true Toyota Rust de
Winter tradition and with the generous spon-
sorship of Continental SA, well catered for by
the various activities at the dedicated childrens
play area, while live entertainment was on the
menu for mom and dad at the end of each day’s
challenges. Other entertainment included rides
in the Toyota motorsport SP class racing Hilux
bakkie that proved to be extremely popular.
This year’s Toyota Rust de Winter Jamboree
was indeed a special event as Toyota celebrat-
ed 30 years as market leader and 40 years of
Hilux dominance at the event. As part of these
celebrations, Toyota asked all Hilux owners to
send pictures of their Hilux in their quest to
find the most unique versions of this popular
workhorse.
The Hilux Legends competition set about find-
ing the best Hilux-models in the several catego-
ries, with the winners invited to Rust de Win-
ter for a very special prize-giving event. The
categories were, highest mileage Hilux, without
too many modifications to the engine, the old-
est Hilux still on the road, again in the most
original state, the toughest Hilux, a difficult one
indeed, but entrants were invited to share their
war stories with Toyota.
The most pimped Hilux which is not difficult,
given the wide range of accessories on offer and
the most South African Hilux although all Hilux
models are South African built, but Toyota went
looking for stories of how the Hilux has become
engrained in the South African landscape.
The winner in each category joined the scores
of 4x4 enthusiasts at the Toyota Rust de Win-
ter jamboree and each one received a R10 000
voucher to spend at 4x4 Megaworld. The final
Legend of all Legends winner will also receive a
spectacular overland trip with 4x4 legend Fran-
cois Rossouw of RSG fame.
“When you buy a Toyota, you buy it to enjoy
it, and that is exactly why Toyota has been in-
volved in the Rust de Winter 4x4 Jamboree for
so long. “ said Anthony Clifton of Toyota.
As Toyota were also celebrating 40 years of
Toyota Hilux dominance they chose to launch
52 ISSUE 62
the brand new Hilux Legend 40 to the media at
the popular Rust de Winter event.
The Hilux Legend 40 builds on the success of
the Hilux Legend 35, which appeared halfway
through the first decade of the new millennium.
The Legend 35 celebrated 35 years of Hilux
market dominance and it carried those achieve-
ments proudly as a badge on its bull bar, roll
bar and rear load bay.
Five years on, and forty years since first intro-
duction, the Hilux remains the most popular and
one of the toughest bakkies in the business. To
be exact it ended 2009 as the country’s most
popular vehicle choice, bar none. Built to the
highest standards at Toyota’s Prospecton plant
in KwaZulu-Natal it also represents South Afri-
can build quality in other parts of the world.
With the introduction of the Legend 40 and
based on the success of the Legend 35, Toy-
ota will introduce a wider range of Legend 40
branded models to cater for varying budgets
and needs. The range will now include two sin-
gle cab models, both fitted with the powerful
3.0 D-4D engine, and seven double cab vari-
ants. The double cab models will be available
in a choice of 2.7 VVT-i four cylinder, 3.0 D-4D
turbo diesel and 4.0 V6 petrol engines. Four au-
tomatic versions are available in the double cab
range and all models, both single and double
cabs that are not fitted with the rugged Toyota
4x4 system will be Raised Body Raider ver-
sions.
Visually one will be able to distinguish between
the Hilux Legend 40 and its lesser siblings by
the generous use of stainless steel in the place
of steel or chrome. The changes start with the
striking stainless steel nudge bar with contrast-
ing black Legend 40 lettering. This flows to the
stainless steel side steps and the rear step with
tow-bar, also from the same high-gloss stain-
less steel. Further changes include the stainless
steel roll bar and the proud Legend 40 badge on
the rear tailgate.
All versions of the new Legend 40 range will
boast the highest specification level as base.
This means that all models offer a chrome front
grille, chromed door handles and electrically
adjustable side mirrors, power steering, Op-
titron instrumentation with multi-function dis-
play, electric windows, air conditioning (climate
control on double cab versions), fog lights,
ABS-brakes and a driver and passenger airbag
and a powerful sound system. All models, bar
the 2.7 VVT-i Double Cab Legend 40, also offer
cruise control.
Other class leading features on the double cab
Legend 40 versions include side and curtain-
airbags, audio controls on the steering wheel
and a lockable tailgate.
Two single cab Legend 40 models are available.
Both models are fitted with the turbocharged
and intercooled 3.0 D-4D diesel engine and
both offer a lockable rear diff, 15 inch alloy
wheels shod with 255/70 rubber, a full sized
spare wheel with similar alloy rim and front
bucket seats.
The key difference will be the choice of drive
train. The single cab Raised Body Raider ver-
sion offers rear wheel drive only, while a 4x4-
version with front self- locking differential and
full low range transfer box is also available.
The Legend 40 decals on the double cab ver-
sion are similar to that on the single cab, but it
includes longer side steps, 16 inch alloy wheels
on 265/70 profile rubber (including the spare
wheel) and a 15 mm higher ground clearance
(227 mm) than the single cab model (212
mm).
Toyota will introduce three engine variants on
the Legend 40 Double Cab range. Entry to the
range will be through the 2.7 litre four-cylin-
der engine with intelligent variable valve tim-
ing (VVT-i). This model offers virtually all the
luxuries of the other double cab Legend 40 ver-
sions, bar cruise control, yet it offers the most
affordable entry to the Legend 40 Double Cab
range.
The 3.0 D-4D turbodiesel on offer in the single
cab version will power the widest range on offer
in the double cab market as well. This power-
ful diesel engine will be on offer in two Raised
Body Raider Double Cab variants, offering the
choice of the standard five speed manual gear-
box or four speed auto gearbox driving the rear
wheels. These models will offer a lockable rear
differential as standard.
Two full 4x4-versions, again with the choice of
manual or automatic gearbox, will also be on
offer using the powerful D-4D-engine. The 4x4-
versions will offer a full low range transfer gear-
box and auto locking front differential as well.
Topping the range will be the 4 litre V6 petrol
engine with EFI-injection. This model will only
be available with Toyota’s four-speed automatic
gearbox, but buyers of this Legend 40 version
will still have the choice between a rear wheel
driven Raised Body Raider and a full 4x4-ver-
sion.
Pricing
Single Cab
3.0D-4D 4X4 Raider R 334 900
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider R 288 600
Double Cab
2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider R 314 400
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider R 359 500
3.0D-4D 4x4 Raider R 406 600
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider AT R 370 900
3.0D-4D 4x4 Raider AT R 417 900
4.0 V6 Raised Body Raider AT R 366 300
4.0 V6 4x4 Raider AT R 434 100
Reuben van Niekerk
McCarthy Toyota Hatfield
Do you want to buy a new/used Toyota?Tel: 012 427 8600
C/o Duncan & Schoeman Street
Johan Keyter
And that’s where the Easy Rescue de-
vice should come in handy. The Easy
Rescue is a personal AIS (Automatic
Identification System) transmitting
beacon. It works via a built in GPS which trans-
mits an emergency AIS-SART sentence which
triggers an alarm on all AIS enabled chart plot-
ters or PC’s within range, along with the lati-
tude and longitude of the victim.
The GPS utilized is a new generation fast ac-
quiring type and the VHF (very high frequency)
AIS transmitter repeats the message and po-
sition several times per minute. Therefore, in-
stead of a personal locator beacon (PLB) that
sends a signal to search and rescue teams, the
Easy Rescue uses AIS to send a signal back to
the boat, this means that the man overboard
(MOB) can be recovered by the boats crew
quickly and without outside assistance. Howev-
er it can also be used to reach all vessels within
range to assist with the rescue if they have an
AIS receiver or transponder.
AIS is a signal transmitted over VHF frequen-
cies that carries latitude and longitude amongst
many other data. Weatherdock AG has used
this feature to make a personal MOB safety
device using AIS signals. The theory is that
when a crewmember falls overboard, anyone
on the boat can find the MOB by following the
AIS signal. The Easy Rescue signal of the MOB’s
latitude and longitude can be displayed on a
GPS chart plotter. All you would need to do is
follow the course back to the MOB’s position.
Even if the MOB has drifted, the signal keeps
updating its position. The Easy Rescue sends
an AIS telegram type 1 which contains the po-
sition information and an AIS telegram type 14
which is a broadcast alert telegram with a “pre
defined” text, which will be “AIS SART active”.
SART stands for search and rescue transponder,
if you didn’t know.
For operational use the Easy Rescue system can
be attached to a life jacket or to clothing via a
lanyard or clip. To operate just slide the safety
cover off, release the coiled antenna then press
the ‘ON’ button to activate the device, quite
easy if you ask me, even if you are bobbing
between the waves at that point. A test button
also allows regular testing of the GPS’s func-
tionality, battery state and so forth. So what
else is needed to utilize this technology? Well,
apart from an AIS receiver or transponder con-
nected to a chart plotter or PC, nothing else.
The Easy Rescue system is a class B AIS trans-
mitter with an operational time of 96 hours
after it has been activated, which is hopefully
enough time for you to be found. The devices
battery also has a lifetime of approximately four
years (if not used except for self-tests). The
Easy Rescue system is very compact, weigh-
ing only 350 grams, so it can be kept on your
person easily and without annoying straps and
bags. The system also has a transmission range
of about 3 nautical miles, which may fluctuate
slightly dependant on wave and antenna height.
It is obviously waterproof and will operate fault-
lessly in temperatures ranging from –20 to 65
degrees. So don’t get caught out on the open
ocean without an Easy Rescue system, you
might not live long enough to regret it.
We can all sympathize with the horror of being thrown overboard while at sea. But there is hope for you, as long as there wasn’t any plank walking involved, odds are that your mates are looking for you.
FeatureEasy Rescue Man Overboard System
Man Overboard!
54 ISSUE 62
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MasterCraft CSX 220Tested
If I’ve ever seen a boat that can be described as an “all-in-one” wonder, it would definitely have to be the MasterCraft CSX 220. Versatility is key in this centre console cruiser, wake-boarder, skiing, diving and fishing boat with the ability to change as frequently as you do.
The Marine Chameleon
And this “can do” attitude can be
seen in all aspects of the boat if you
take a closer look, which is just what
we did. So let’s learn a few things
about the CSX 220, first of all CSX stands for
Cross Sport Xtreme and it’s the industry’s first
centre console boat designed to develop a wake
that can be used for watersports.
The boat measures in at 21 ft. 5 in. (6.5 m)
but behaves like one of its larger MasterCraft
counterparts on the water thanks to its hull
which cuts through chop but still kicks out
great wakes. All the features of a big water boat
awaits you in the CSX 220 including a self bail-
ing cockpit, guttering system to funnel water
out of the boat, 360 degrees of deck access and
snap in carpets so you don’t get fish guts or
the kids dirty feet all over your boat. The hull is
still unmatched in the industry, pulling in more
world records in slalom, jump and trick skiing
than any other hull.
With its open, centre console layout, this boat is
also ideal for relaxing on the water with family
or friends. Including the skipper, the CSX 220
can take up to 12 people comfortably. Cust-
omisation is also up to you with a plethora of
different layout options available from various-
seating configurations to adding live fish wells,
wakeboard racks or even dive cylinders racks.
You will also be in full control thanks to the
VDIG (Video Digital Gauge) controls that keep
you up to date on anything from fuel and oil
levels to where the closest fish might be lurk-
ing. Being a centre console the CSX 220 offers
superior visibility in all conditions, the captain’s
seat can also be folded in if you prefer a stand-
ing vantage point.
The boat we tested on the Vaal was powered by
a MasterCraft Vortex LY6 GM V8 400 hp direct
drive motor which proved itself to be quite ca-
pable, even though I wouldn’t call it blazingly
fast.
But outright speed isn’t what the CSX 220 was
designed for and this multisport machine’s
wake is as impressive as any MasterCraft’s, so
landing your favourite moves should prove to
be a piece of cake.
Many creature comforts usually not found on
a run-of-the-mill centre console make an ap-
pearance on this versatile new boat including
luxuries like a sun pad area, ice chest, cooler,
sink, premiere audio system and a bow lad-
der for front entry to the boat. And once again
we see MasterCraft’s flair for giving customers
a choice shine through because the CSX 220
comes in four different packages namely the
T-Top Sports Package, Standard Tower Sports
57ISSUE 62
58 ISSUE 62
Package, Diving Package and Fishing Package
so you can be assured of a good time whatever
your marine hobby may be.
The CSX 220 is also the only boat in the Mas-
terCraft line up with a fold down transom; it
works like a tailgate to give you unimpeded ac-
cess to the oversized swim platform. Optional
wakeboard racks can also be mounted on the
gunwale for easy access.
Ruggedness is something that’s frequently as-
sociated with centre console boats and some-
thing that you might not find on your more
specialized boats, and the CSX 220 seems to
be overflowing with it. The keel is protected
so it can be beached easily without too much
worries and the entire boat’s structure simply
oozes with a feel of rigidity and function.
As I’ve previously stated this boat has an ex-
cellent wake and you can add a 295 kilograms
ballast tank as an option to truly turn it into
a wakeboarding boat. Additionally rod holders,
livewell, GPS fish finder, scuba tank racks and
even an optional setup for storing kayaks are
also available as optional extras. One of the
things that stood out especially for me, which
doesn’t really have anything to do with any of
the boats specific features, is the interior space.
Model: Test Engine: Length: Beam: Seating Capacity: Fuel Capacity: 0-plane: Top Speed: Price:
SPECIFICATIONS
Apply online atwww.wesbank.co.za
FeatureMazda CX-7 and SeaRay 170
There is a new buzz word doing the rounds these days. Urban Cruiser. This new category of vehicle is basically meant as a crossover vehicle that encompasses the needs for daily family transport, and leisure activities enrolled in one complete package.
Crossing Over To The Leisure Side.
61ISSUE 62
The new Mazda CX-7 is such a vehicle,
and in line with the Zoom Zoom way
of transport, it promises a variety of
uses. We had the 2.3 litre DISI auto
model at our disposal, and decided to test it out
in a variety of applications.
Now Mazda says that the CX-7 is based on the
concept of creating a sport crossover SUV – a
vehicle in which the great attributes of a sports
car are blended with those of a sport utility ve-
hicle.
For the exterior design, the aim was to establish
a clearer premium identity by further evolving
the current CX-7’s ‘advanced emotional styling’
and by heightening quality. The interior design
benefits from a raised standard of craftsman-
ship that enhances quality in ways that users
will immediately feel and see.
First impressions of the CX-7 is that of a mod-
ern an well put together car, and I quite liked
the styling. The leather clad interior has a qual-
ity feel to it, and there is a host of modern ame-
nities which compliments the overall feel of the
car.
The Bose premium audio system with Center-
point surround sound and nine speakers, sound
system was quite impressive, and it even comes
with a rear view camera. Xenon headlamps with
auto leveling and headlamp washers, electric
sliding glass sunroof and rain sensing wipers
were welcome additions.
On the go side of things, our CX-7 had the 2.3
DISI Turbo unit under the bonnet mated to a
five speed auto box. There was a hint of turbo
lag when pulling off, but this did not bother me
too much. The overall performance was quite
good, and even nippy. Torque delivery has been
increased by up to 10 percent at around 3 000
rpm, resulting in a maximum output of 350 Nm
at 2 500 rpm. Power is responsive and substan-
tial with 175 kW on offer at 5 000 rpm.
The massive amount of torque means that the
CX-7 is an ideal towing vehicle for a small boat
or Personal Water Craft, and this is exactly the
sort of vehicle that families will come to adore
as an overall lifestyle solution. We hooked up a
Sea Ray 175 to the Mazda, and I was impressed
by the solid handling characteristics and solid
feel while towing.
The suspension has MacPherson struts at the
front and a multi-link layout at the rear, and
is tuned to suit the power characteristics of
the engine. Suspension dampers have larger
oil-flow openings to achieve smoother suspen-
sion strokes, and the increased body rigidity
helps achieve supple suspension movement
with greater firmness. The CX-7 is equipped
62 ISSUE 62
with hydraulic power steering which delivers
steering according to vehicle speed. Large front
and rear ventilated disc brakes, a four-wheel
antilock braking system (4W-ABS), and other
braking technologies that have already proved
successful in the CX-7 are carried forward to
ensure ample braking performance.
The Sea Ray 175 which we borrowed from Wa-
ter World in Randburg weighs in at a hefty 959
kgs without the trailer, and at a length of over 5
metres, and a body of over 2 metres wide, the
CX-7 made for a good towing vehicle.
The large mirrors meant that I could always
see what was happening behind me, and the
rearview camera certainly helped when I had
to reverse. The large boot area and interior size
meant that the entire family with picnic gear
fitted comfortably for a day trip to the water
ways.
For those who do not have a boat to tow yet,
the CX-7 is a very competent lifestyle vehicle
that can be used both for A to B transport, and
weekend leisure activities when the mood aris-
es. Since lifestyle enthusiast are highly sensitive
to the quality of armrests and other parts that
they continually touch, the door-trim armrests
in the facelifted CX-7 incorporate soft pads for
higher tactile quality. Also, the top of the rear
console is made from thick high-resilience ure-
thane, which has a texture combining softness
and firmness. With high grades, the lid of the
rear console has a newly added soft pad. The
overall result is a higher quality look without
any hindrance to the driver.
There are numerous storage compartments
placed around the cabin. The large centre con-
sole box holds up to 12 litres and has been up-
graded for the facelift model with two new stor-
age compartments at the top for more small
item storage. One of these is a 0.9 litre tray
that is ideally shaped to hold a mobile phone,
an MP3 player or sunglasses.
A 12V power socket and an auxillary jack are
close to the tray for ease of use. The other re-
ceptacle is a two litre tray that’s big enough for
10 compact discs. There is 9.5 litres of space
below the trays. The tray at the bottom of the
centre panel newly incorporates a rubber mat
for greater ease of use. My overall experience
with the CX-7 was one of enjoyment, and is
certainly a worthy contender in the cross over
segment of the market. The CX-7 has service
intervals stationed every 10 000km on the 2.3
DISI turbo model. A four-year / 120 000 km
fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty, as
well as the MazdaMotion five year / 100 000
km service plan comes standard with the CX-
7. A three-year roadside assistance plan comes
standard with the purchase of any Mazda ve-
hicle.
Ewald van zyl
Tested210 Challenger SE & Audi Q7
Over the years Sea-Doo has built a reputation for themselves around PWC’s and sporty jet boats, something that’s more a toy than a boat. But now it seems they’ve fused the fun of a jet boat with the sensibilities of a relaxing water cruiser.
Revolutionizing Boating
65ISSUE 62
And they call this new fusion the 210
Challenger SE, one of the few pow-
erboats out there to feature a direct
drive jet propulsion system, and
one of the most impressive boats we’ve been
on this year. We took the new 210 Challenger,
just called Challenger from henceforth, to the
Hartbeespoortdam near Pretoria to take a look
at what this new offering from Sea-Doo could
bring to the table. And thanks to the brilliant
folks at BRP we were the first publication to test
this amazing new boat in South African waters,
and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
But first, getting a couple of tons of boat to
the dam, for this task we employed the new
6.0 litre beast from Audi, the Q7 V12 TDI quat-
tro which ensured a quick and painless haul to
the peer. Producing 368 kW at 3 750 rpm and
1000Nm between 1 750 and 3 250 rpm this
amazing car could have pulled two of these
boats at the same time were that legal and not
ridiculously dangerous. In short, a beast of a
car with the luxury of a five-star hotel inside,
amazing.
So back to the boat, and first things first, let’s
take a look at how exactly these new genera-
tion of boats work. Well at the core of every
Sea-Doo sport boat is the innovative Direct
Drive Jet Propulsion System. Unlike conven-
tional stern drives, it generates a concentrated,
powerful stream of water that not only propels
the boat but steers it too. And I can tell you
from first hand experience, these boats can be
turned on a dime, they’re so easy to keep un-
der control when you have to manoeuvre in a
tight spot it’s unreal. No more frantic scrabbling
to keep the boat from bumping into a peer or
dock, these jet boats can be perfectly positioned
without any extensive skipper training. This is
in part thanks to the run-by-wire system that
the Challenger employs, which makes even the
slightest adjustments easily felt. Direct drive
delivers an on-water experience that will leave
you feeling both in control and breathless, the
jet propulsion system has minimal bow rise and
faster planing for increased visibility of what is
ahead.
The prop-free design also creates a safer swim-
ming environment around the boat with no
exposed sharp edges. It also minimizes draft
so you can ride in extremely shallow waters,
and I mean almost ankle depth, you can drive
anywhere without fear of your prop getting in-
timate with some rocks, as there is no prop.
Plus, Sea-Doo’s exclusive Closed-Loop Cooling
System helps protect your engine from salt,
gunk and corrosion, allowing you to ride in both
fresh and saltwater environments. Power is also
something you won’t have to worry about in the
Challenger, nothing packs as much power into
66 ISSUE 62
as compact a package as the proven, trusted,
electronically fuel injected, supercharged, in-
tercooled (SCIC) Rotax 4-TEC engine platform.
The Challenger will be available with both a 430
hp supercharged, intercooled engine or the 310
hp Rotax 4-TEC power package. So now we
know how the Challenger will get you from A
to B, but that’s not the only impressive aspect
of this boat, the comfort in which you can do it
stands out as well. Starting at the large cockpit
which offers much more room than competing
models and supplies the driver with a clear view
of what’s ahead. A vast sundeck area creates
the perfect environment for relaxation, with
easy-to-reach stereo controls, cup holders, a
removable table and innovative Transat seats
that can be easily stowed away if you don’t
need them.
The Multi-function Digital Information Centre,
better known as the instrument cluster arms
the skipper with easy-to-read gauges complete
with backlighting. You’ll be able to access cruise
control options, check fuel levels and consump-
tion and have full control of everything else
your boat is doing on the water. All the usual
suspects make an appearance including ta-
chometer, speedometer, hour meter, compass,
depth finder and many more. Also enhancing
your experience with the Challenger is a three-
step bow ladder and a two-step stern reboard-
ing platform that offers easy boarding access
wherever you might be. And once you’re on-
board a centre walk-through provides easy ac-
cess with no need to clamber over seats, and
its non-skid surfacing ensures you’ll keep your
balance. Snap-in carpets also provide you with
the option of conserving your boats cleanli-
ness when the kids come to play or when a
particularly muddy day comes along. And the
Challenger has storage space for Africa, almost
every nook and cranny of the boat doubles as
a storage box. The steering wheel can also be
easily adjusted for whatever driver with its tilt
mechanism and there’s even a built-in mat on
the swim platform to make reboarding the boat
a painless affair.
And finally, let’s take a look at what kind of
tunes you’ll be able to blast while out on the
water with the Challenger 210. Well, a satellite-
ready AM/FM stereo with USB input, MP3 sup-
port and four speakers make an appearance on
the boat. You can also control your MP3 player
or USB memory device directly from the ste-
reo or with the LCD stereo remote. And that’s
not all, standard on all Sea-Doo sport boats is
the D-SEA-BEL sound reduction system, this
patented sound reduction system combines a
series of resonators, acoustical foam and vibra-
tion-absorbing components to make Sea-Doo
sport boats some of the quietest in the water,
and to ensure your neighbours at the dam don’t
carry too much of a grudge against you.
To end, whether it’s maniac performance or un-
matched comfort that attracts you, you’ll find
both in excess on the Challenger 210, a revo-
lutionary in the jet boat field if I’ve ever seen
one. Johan Keyter
Sea-Doo 210 Challenger SE Rotax 4-TEC twin 215 hp 20 ft. 6 in. (6.25 m)8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)10166 litres4.2 secondsN/AR590 000
Model: Test Engine: Length: Beam: Seating Capacity: Fuel Capacity: 0-plane: Top Speed: Price:
SPECIFICATIONS
Apply online atwww.wesbank.co.za
SO EASY TO OWN
Evinrude® E-TEC™ engines are exceptionally easy to own, by design. There’s no dealer-scheduled maintenance for three years or 300 boating hours. No break-in period is required. And you’ll never have to change the oil, ever.
Evinrude E-TEC. More time on the water.
THE WORLD IS OUR PLAYGROUND.From water to on- and off-road fun, BRP’s passion for adventure fuelsthe innovations that deliver the ultimate experience in powersports.Because your free time should always be your best time.
For your nearest BRP dealer contact CMH Recreational Products JHB (011) 462 4390 or CPT (021) 511 0220 visit www.brpsa.co.za
BRP Evinrude Seasoo 5/5 050310
ENJOY YOUR PLAYTIME ON THE WATER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Discover GTI SE models features and get your ticket to a perfect day • Legendary Rotax® 4-TEC™ engine• Superior fuel efficiency• Exceptional handling and performance hull design
tile therefore finding the right balance of priori-
ties between four main types of riding, including
off-road adventure, long range touring, corner
carving and urban commuting, was crucial.
The result is a bike that is said to be a true go-
anywhere adventure machine, built tough to go
beyond the beaten track with spoked wheels,
generous ground clearance and hardy engine
protection. The entire design was tuned to keep
the bikes mass low and central for perfect bal-
ance and light, agile handling at speed.
It also packs the technology to go beyond the
normal braking point with intelligent Unified
Brake system with ABS stopping power.
The heart of the Super Ténére is a liquid cooled,
four stroke, DOHC, inline two cylinder, four
valve, fuel injected, twin spark engine. Displac-
ing 1 199 cc, it delivers a grunty 82 kW (110
hp) at 7 250 rpm for quick acceleration and a
broad spread of torque for effortless cruising
and overtaking. The 270 degree crankshaft
also translates into a connection between the
throttle and the rear wheel that feels linear and
direct, the end result being extra precision and
increased confidence.
A three mode traction control system lets each
rider choose the perfect balance of safety,
speed and fun. It can also be turned off when
it’s time for some rear wheel steering on a loose
surface.
In addition to the traction control features, the
Super Ténére features switchable Yamaha D-
MODE engine mapping, from S (Sport) mode,
which delivers instant throttle response for high
performance riding, to a more relaxed T (Tour-
ing mode that delivers smooth, easy power. It
There is a certain type of person that loves to explore their surroundings and if that type of person is a biker too, they will need a very special type of machine. The Super Ténére will take you beyond paved roads, into the mountains or to all the far away places that you dream of.
See The World
68 ISSUE 62
is one of many ways the Super Ténére adapts
to accommodate different riding styles and con-
ditions.
As with several of Yamaha’s other recent high-
performance motorcycles, the Super Ténére
uses the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-
T) system. Throttle openings are measured
electronically, around every 1 / 1000th of a
second and the YCC-T system makes a series
of high speed calculations to determine the
optimal throttle valve opening and control the
volume of intake air.
In the chassis department every effort has been
made to keep the wheelbase short for agility
and the weight low and central to keep the bike
feeling light and flickable whatever the condi-
tions. But it is also built tough, with a frame
made from high-tensile steel pipe which was
chosen over aluminium because it holds up bet-
ter under the demands that off-road adventure
riding can place on a large bike.
The Super Ténére is also fitted with integrated
side engine protectors and a standard engine
guard, while the rear subframe is reinforced to
cope with potential stresses of off-road fall im-
pacts while carrying large side panniers.
Its large 23 litre tank delivers serious touring
range, with a seat adjustable between 845 mm
and 870 mm and an adjustable screen that lets
you set your riding position and wind protection
for maximum comfort, it should be as comfort-
able as your couch at home.
Front suspension is handled by a pair of up-
side down telescopic forks running 43 mm in-
ner tubes. The forks are adjustable for preload,
rebound and compression damping. The rear
suspension features a monoshock adjustable
for rebound damping and preload, these ad-
justments can be made without the need for
any tools.
The Super Ténére is shaft driven to reduce
maintenance across a wide range of riding con-
ditions.
But the best part about this bike is most cer-
tainly the price, in standard guise it will retail
for R129 999, which is serious value for money
and this will really help it kick dust in the eyes
of competitors.
As a first edition special one will be able to buy
the bike for R138 999, fitted with left and right
aluminium side cases, a headlight protector,
aluminium engine skid plate and a unique first
edition sticker.
Reuben van Niekerk
69ISSUE 62
Johan Keyter
Arguably the most exciting addition
to the range is the new MV Agusta
F4, a bike designed and developed
with a single goal in mind, to be the
best. The new F4 aims to combine high perfor-
mance and class leading handling with striking
styling, and it seems that they’ve succeeded.
From the day it was unveiled the F4 has been
judged as one of the most beautiful motor-
cycles in the world, it defines beauty in a su-
per bike from the first to the last curve of the
bodywork. No mass produced street motorcycle
can boast as many accolades as the MV Agusta
F4, which is the absolute reference for perfor-
mance, speed and raw beauty. The F4 is the
synthesis of Italian craftsmanship, no compro-
mised design principles and the application of
the most technologically advanced materials in
a single motorcycle.
Now this all sounds very impressive, but before
we sink deeper into the void of Italian clichés
let’s take a serious look at what this bike can
do. The engine, chassis and the swingarm are
all brand new. The reengineered design has re-
sulted in a motorcycle that is 4 cm narrower
and has a chassis that offers increased torsion-
al rigidity while at the same time reducing the
overall weight by 10 kilograms. The F4 is the
absolute reference for the supersport category
with its advanced technical solutions and its ex-
traordinary performance.
The four cylinder engine, with its 16 radial valves
contains so many advancements that it is con-
sidered a completely new engine. As a matter
of fact the only thing that is retained from the
old engine is the values of bore and stroke (76
x 55 mm). Now there really has been a huge
number of changes made to this engine, and
explaining even a quarter of them will prove
beyond my capability and beyond your interest,
so let’s go for a quick crash course. The already
excellent performance of the four cylinder MV
engine has been improved again and this new
engine supplies a maximum power output of
137 kW (186.3 hp) at 12 900 rpm.
The profound development that it was subject
to ensures exceptional performance as well as
a perfect marriage of throttle control and rear
wheel traction. The crankshaft has been rede-
signed and the inertia has been increased by
50 percent compared to the previous engine.
The characteristics which have made the four
cylinder MV over the years a point of refer-
ence in the field remain untouched. The four
radial valves for each cylinder contribute to the
optimal structure of the combustion chamber.
The gearbox is extractable as is the case in the
most valuable racing motorcycles and the new
mechanical slipper clutch ensures an optimal
control of the engine brake when downshifting.
But just from a glance you can see that this
bike is both gorgeous and probably exception-
ally fast. But the real beauty of the F4 is under
the skin, it’s in the effort and supreme attention
to detail that has been put into this machine.
Every single component has been studied down
to the finest detail and has been redesigned
with the aim of gaining a perfect ultra-solid,
lightweight and perfectly balanced motorcycle,
and that’s exactly what they’ve created.
The MV Agusta F4100R can be yours for R225
000.
Traditionally something that enjoys a certain rarity has a high value. Gold and diamonds are rare, hence their high value, so does the same thing apply to bikes? Comparatively MV Agus-ta has been a bit quiet in recent years, but this year they’re hitting the ground running and going out to stake a place for themselves in the South African bike market.
LaunchedMV Agusta F4 1000R
Rarity Creates Demand
70 ISSUE 62
The riding position is also more com-
fortable on a naked bike, with higher
handlebars making the machine
easier to handle around town. All the
major manufacturers now offer such machines,
and Kawasaki’s new Z1000 is one of the best.
Although the styling of the 2010 Z1000 is not
unlike that of the outgoing model, the motor-
cycle really is an entirely new machine with a
brand new engine and frame. The fuel-injected
in-line four cylinder motor uses bore and stroke
dimensions of 77 X 56 mm to arrive at a dis-
placement of 1 043 cc for improved midrange
grunt.
The new engine is not only more powerful
than the old, but also noticeably smoother
and quicker-revving from 7 000 rpm upwards.
Power is now 103 kW (138 hp) at 9 600 rpm,
and a maximum of 110 Nm torque is on hand
from 7 800 rpm.
The aluminium frame of the 2010 Kawasaki
Z1000 is also entirely new, and the factory says
it is 30 percent more rigid than that of the older
model as well as almost 4 kilograms lighter.
The engine is used as a stressed member, and
a new fuel tank and sub frame allow for a slim
riding position. The factory did everything in
its power to avoid visible welds and the ap-
pearance of the new chassis is crisp and clean.
The rear sub-frame, previously two steel pieces
welded to the main frame, is now a three-piece
aluminium die-cast section that saves weight
and also renders plastic side-covers unneces-
sary. This tidy arrangement allows the width
under the seat to be narrower, and makes it
easier for the rider to reach the ground.
The front and rear suspension of the Z1000 are
brand new for 2010, with chunkier 41 mm in-
verted forks, which are now fully adjustable, up
front and a new Horizontal Back Link system
at the rear.
This locates the now horizontal shock absorber
far enough from the engine to allow it to be
unaffected by heat, as well as contributing to
mass centralisation.
The rear shock is rebound and preload adjust-
able, while the front forks now offer stepless
compression and rebound damping adjustabil-
ity, as well as being adjustable for preload.
Instrumentation of the Kawasaki Z1000 has
gone fully digital for 2010, and the bike is un-
usual in that it offers three-way positioning of
the instrument cluster, allowing the rider to
incline it to where visibility is best. The petal
discs and four-pot front and single-piston / sin-
gle disc rear brakes are also equipped with ABS
for 2010. The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 retails for
R119 995, complete with a two year unlimited
distance warranty.
Some people like their motorcycles naked. Where a superbike or sports tourer is usually decked out with all-encompassing plastic body panels that make it virtually impossible to see the engine and other mechanical bits beneath, a naked bike lays everything out there for your admiration.
The End
Launched Kawasaki Z1000
Urban Warrior Zed
72 ISSUE 62
K1209/12446/2506
SL 750 Shiver
Tuono Factory 750 Dorsoduro Pegaso 650 Trail
RS 125 850 Mana
Tuono 1000R Pegaso 650
SXV RXV
www.aprilia.co.zaContact your nearest dealer for a demo ride
bike
me
Aprilia Durban-Tel: 031 566 5464, Shop 156, 6 Aurora Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban • Aprilia Randburg - Tel: 011 791 1077, Unit 2, Commercial City, Malibongwe Drive, Strijdom Park, Randburg • Eurobike - Tel: 021 461 0991, 117 Roeland Street, Cape Town • Fourways Motorcycles - Tel: 011 465 1540, Unit 1, cnr On The Straight, The Straight Rd, Fourways • Holeshot Motorcycles - Tel: 011 823 5830, Shop N5, K90 Centre, North Rand Rd, Boksburg • Power Bikes Namibia - Tel: 00 264 61 262139, 18 Kallie Roodt St, Namibia • Race Preparations -Tel: 012 342 6994, 1212 Pretorius St, Hatfield, Pretoria • Remitech - Tel: 041 586 0503, 361 Govan Mbeki Ave, North End, Port Elizabeth • Ultimate Performance -
Tel: 012 643 1110, Building 13, C/o Akkerboom & John Vorster Dr, Centurion • X Rated Motorcycles - Tel: 011 953 1777, 20 Commissioner St, Krugersdorp
Vespa ModelsFeature
From the same company that designed
aircraft and trains came the world’s
first and the most loved two-wheeler
on the road, the Vespa. This highly in-
novative answer to a broad range of transpor-
tation challenges epitomises organic design in
layout, comfort and safety and has become an
icon of freedom and mobility.
The originality of Vespa’s form lies in the syn-
thesis of stylish looks, innovation, hi-technolo-
gy and superior production processes. With all
this, it’s no wonder Vespa is one of the most
successful examples of Italian industrial design,
unchanged in the original qualities that made
it – then and now – one of the most important
design icons of our time.
Vespa GTS 250i.e. – a performance of
power and safety
Vespa’s first 250 cc scooter is a real performer.
At 120 km/h you might expect a roller-coaster
ride, but the strong and robust monocoque
chassis will provide you with Vespa’s trademark
feeling of safety.
The classic Vespa chassis is all-metal which
provides ultimate protection for the rider’s legs
and ensures a safe and comfortable ride.
Secure and safe braking is also ensured by the
hydraulic disc brakes that enable effortless,
powerful and highly responsive braking across
all driving conditions.
The GTS 250i.e. is also a enthusiastic starter
that won’t lag behind in the blocks after the
lights turn green. Its 250 cc engine in the clas-
sic wasp shape body is an uncompromising
fusion of breathtaking performance, technical
superiority and Vespa beauty.
Advanced technology of the electronic injection
system with three-way catalytic converter, al-
lows for reduced emissions and fuel consump-
tion as well as progressive acceleration and re-
sponsive handling.
The exhaust, cylinder and piston have been de-
signed to provide a smoother and quieter ride
that suits the stylishly racy GTS and supremely
enhanced performance.
The Vespa has evolved from a single model scooter manufactured in 1946, to stylish modern urban transportation. Through the years all Vespas have remained true to their heritage of being stylish, robust, cheap to maintain and extremely fuel efficient. We take a look at some of the models that are available these days.
As Good As Ever
74 ISSUE 62
The Vespa’s natural riding position and ergo-
nomics have always made the Vespa comfort-
able and the seat on the GTS has a new shape
and material for an even better ride. Your pil-
lion will also be surprised at how comfortable a
second derriere fits. A rear luggage rack comes
standard, and the under seat storage opens
with the press of a button making those spon-
taneous trips out of town convenient and hard
to resist.
The Vespa GTS 300 Super – super by name,
super by nature
Super power, sportiness and performance,
makes the new Vespa GTS 300 Super the ulti-
mate machine.
The top of the range Vespa GTS 300 Super em-
bodies all the style, convenience, performance
and safety you’ve come to trust from the Vespa
brand.
This jaunty new sports model combines the
unique, classic Vespa style with a distinctly
modern personality to give the clean Vespa
lines a decidedly rugged look.
On the right side panel there’s an eye-catching
grille with horizontal slots – an obvious refer-
ence to certain macho sporty models of the
past. The new two-tone alloy wheel rims also
recall the removable rims of past models again
highlighting the sportiness of the gutsy 145th
model in Vespa history.
With an ultra-modern 300 cc four valve liquid-
cooled engine – it is the greatest capacity Ves-
pa engine ever produced – the GTS 300 Super
punches from a standing start with athletic
vigour. With electronic injection this two-wheel-
er has incredible flexibility and exuberance.
The GTS 300 Super follows a great line of sporty
performance in Vespa history.
Vespa GTV 250 – a celebration of 60 years
of excellence
The GTV 250 epitomizes classic style and state
of the art design. It is retro yet modern while
paying tribute to the original Vespa.
This exceptional model was created to go down
in history as one of the best-known and best-
selling scooters. It celebrates 60 years of the
most legendary two-wheeler of all time by re-
viewing and reinterpreting the trademark de-
sign of Vespa’s origins. The Vespa GTV 250 is
fun to ride. It offers smooth and cost-effective
running. The headlamp is positioned on the
front mudguard just like the first Vespas, while
the size and surface resemble the modern styl-
ing. The handlebar is a simple, retro, visible
metal tube. On the handlebar it sports a round
speedometer with both analogue and digital
displays. The genuine leather saddle with visi-
ble stitching is split in two, one part for the rider
and one for the passenger. The 250 cc engine is
a modern four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled
unit with remarkable performance across all
driving conditions.
Hip to be square
The original sportiness and energy of the seven-
ties Vespas has been recaptured in the Vespa S.
The minimalist design, clean lines and rectan
gular headlight of the seventies icon are fused
with the hi-tech power of the naughties.
The fuel injected, four stroke, single cylin-
der engine provides ample motivation, while
the twist and go CVT gearbox makes zipping
through the traffic easy. The engine is aircooled
which means that there is less mechanical parts
to worry about. The engine produces 12.1 hp at
8 000 rpm and will only use around 2.5 litres
/ 100 km.
This model is also the lightest in the range
making it even more manoeuvrable into those
tight gaps in the traffic.
The End
Vespa South AfricaJohannerburgTel: (011) 465 0512
PretoriaTel: (012) 348 8323
Cape TownTel: (021) 425 7944
DurbanTel: (079) 511 227908610 83772
www.aquarian.co.za
EventAfrica Bike Week 2010
Last year at the inaugural Africa Bike Week I happened to be down in the area with my family, I saw some bikes, but I didn’t really pay any attention. This year I rode down to the event on a Harley-Davidson, paid attention and was blown away by what I experienced.
Africa Bike Week 2010
77ISSUE 62
To say that 2010 was bigger than last
year would be like saying alcohol is a
healthy breakfast, or lunch or dinner.
Of course that didn’t stop me from
indulging in the ‘Full Double Jack and Coke
Breakfast’ special that could be had for only
R25 at one of the conveniently situated local
cafes a mere hangover away from the sanity of
my hotel room.
I promise I never went near my bike afterwards
though, like a good little boy you would think,
but the truth is I lost my master key and im-
mobiliser fob before I even arrived in Margate
on Friday night. I thought that I might have
to stay there forever or alternatively put my
hiking boots on, but the Harley guys being as
organised as they were, ensured that walking
home was not an option and reprogrammed me
a new fob and found me a spare key in time for
the mass ride on the Sunday.
And a mass ride it was, over 10 000 Harley-
Davidson motorcycles and other brand riders
along with 79 500 enthusiasts, 39 500 more
than last year converged on Margate and the
surrounding areas. The event is renowned for
being the biggest Harley-Davidson motorcycle
ride out in South Africa and provides a plat-
form for all the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.)
members to meet and interact with riders as
well as other H.O.G members from all over the
country.
Meet and interact we certainly did, I rode down
with Steve Fischer, the Steves Auto Clinic main
man, and a group of his Harley buddies from
the Vaal Triangle. A little known fact is that al-
though he heads up the country’s leading af-
termarket automotive group in SA, he cut his
tuning teeth many years ago on motorcycles
and the passion has never left. So while during
the week you can find him wrestling with high
performance cars, it is on the weekends he gets
away from it all on his Harley.
The ride down was relaxed and the many, many
bikers we encountered on the road and at the
various rest areas served as a great indicator of
what was to come in Margate. Once down and
taking full advantage of my ‘self imposed’ ban
on riding, I took to exploring the vast number
of regalia and Harley specific stalls dotted along
the beachfront while nobly fighting off dehydra-
tion in the process.
In fact there was so much Harley-Davidson
product around, you could literally choose a
demo bike, go for a cruise, come back see one
of the many dealers represented at the week-
end and purchase the bike you wanted there
and then. This must have worked very well be-
cause by the end of the long weekend, most the
display bikes I saw had ‘sold’ stickers on them.
I know that there is a saying that goes some-
thing along the lines of, “If you have to ask,
you won’t get it.” Never have I seen this dem-
onstrated so effectively like I did at Bike Week.
Everybody, and I mean everybody, was living
the loud and proud Harley lifestyle and having
an absolute ball at the same time.
This in my opinion is the biggest trick about un-
derstanding the whole Harley concept. My R325
000 Electra Glide Ultra Limited comes with just
about anything you could think to want on tour-
ing motorcycle.
There is a punchy 1 690 cc engine mated to
a six speed Cruise Drive transmission for gob-
bling up the long road in a very relaxed fashion
to start with. You also get a Harman-Kardon
Advanced Audio System with intercom and ABS
with cruise control as standard. And of course,
a ton of luggage space is thrown into the mix
too.
But are their bikes the fastest and smoothest
on the road? Not a chance. They aren’t even
cheap, but the experience you get when riding
one is what it is all about. So if you want to fly
along at over 200 km/h and go scraping foot
pegs in corners at track days, then these bikes
are not for you.
So besides the fun and good natured mayhem
that ensured, there were numerous other posi-
tives, like the money that we spent in the area
in terms of retail, tourism and accommodation
thanks to this event.
Having bumped into my old friends Quentin
Law (President), Carlos de Jesus (Sergeant at
Arms) and the rest of the stand up guys and
girls of Iron Order MCC and sharing a good few
laughs with them about the old days, I decided
to hook a tow with them home. All too soon
though it had come to an end and it was time
to behave and pretend that we all fit into the
corporate world.
I can tell you though, next year I will be back
at Africa Bike Week, hopefully on a Harley-Da-
vidson again, if not, I will walk, it is that good
and must be experienced firsthand to fully un-
derstand!
Due to the outstanding number of 2010 custom
entries, it has been announced that the 2011
prize will exceed all expectations. The winner
for the “Free Style Custom” category will be
whisked away, along with their prize winning
bike, to Sturgis in America to compete in the
AMD Championship, to represent South African
Bike Building against the rest of the world.
78 ISSUE 62
Mark Jones
Eddy Alberts
But you can be the best rider in the
world, if you haven’t got the right
bike set-up you are simply wasting
your time.
This involves a couple of main categories like
suspension, tyres, gear ratio and general bike
settings. Let’s start with the most important of
them all, suspension.
Most riders’ greatest fear is trying to under-
stand how to set the bike up using all the com-
plicated settings and adjustments that suspen-
sion consists of. All true racers know there’s no
such thing as a magical set-up. The bike might
be good at some places but not quite perfect
at others.
And what might suit other racers might not suit
you due to their riding style, weight and prefer-
ences. You always find yourself in a little bit of
a trade-off. Either you have great cornering but
little traction, or the other way around.
The best thing is to find a happy-medium. Some
tracks require more feel in the front-end and
some you need to be able to get on the throttle
as soon as possible. But how do I achieve what
seems to be impossible? Firstly you have to
understand that every track requires different
suspension settings and gear ratios. When ar-
riving at a track for the first time you have to be
on a good base set-up.
Your base set-up consists of previous setting
you found worked for you on tracks you have
been to.
Go out the first session and feel what the bike
is doing. Feel? What do you mean feel? Well
going quick around any given track requires a
skill that can only develop by spending a lot of
time in the saddle.
This means going around and around and try-
ing different settings. You can’t simply walk up
to a quick rider and ask him what preload he’s
running on his rear shock.
He will simply lie to you in an effort to keep
you behind him. You have to know what the
bike is doing in order to give good feedback to
your mechanic. Good feedback equals quicker
lap times.
The most important thing is to focus on what
the bike is doing corner-entry, mid-corner and
corner-exit. Is the bike turning-in with little ef-
fort? Or do I have to force the bike to turn? Is
the bike getting to the apex and going where I
want it to go? Do I have enough traction when
exiting the corner? And am I running too wide
and going off-track?
Which is fun for the most part, but often ends in
tears. The goal is to let the bike do most of the
work. You’re only along for the ride...
You have to focus on what lines you are using through each corner and be willing to learn from the rider in front of you. Remember that you have to keep an open mind and some-times try things you are not a 100 percent sure of for the sake of progress.
MotorsportNational Superbike Racing
Living on the Edge Part 2
80 ISSUE 62
3 1 3 9 5 H y u d a i _ o w l _ X C . p d f P a g e 1 5 / 2 8 / 2 0 1 0 , 3 : 4 0 P M
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