2022-04-01 Car South Africa

D O U B L E - C A B B A K K I E 12

OUR
FAVOURITE
WORKHORSE

BAKKIE

Toyota Hilux
2,4 GD 4x4 Raider

Criteria: We consider double-cab bakkies that put family users first. Space, safety features, torquey engines for towing
and carrying ability take precedence over luxury features and performance.

FORD A big factor in CAR’s Best Buy awards each year is the legacy vote. If a vehicle has READERS' CHOICE
RANGER won 10 times before – as is the case with the Ford Ranger – it’s going to need some-
thing exemplary to knock it off its pedestal. So far, none of the Ranger’s double-cab Toyota
11th WIN pretenders have been able to come up with the goods to pull that off. Both a Ranger Hilux
XLT FX4 and BiT Stormtrak formed part of our long-term fleet over the last year;
Models: 27 the former won our 2021 Bakkie Shootout and the latter proved an indispensable 34%
Price range: runaround and rugged load-lugger when the FX4 had to depart our fleet earlier than
R480 300-R977 400 anticipated. What’s more, the Ranger series houses the new Special Edition Raptor (Ford Ranger: 27%)
Our favourite: which, along with popular derivatives like the Wildtrak, Thunder, Stormtrak and
2,0 SiT XLT FX4 10AT 4x4 FX4, have kept buyers enticed, even in its runout year.

THE EXCELLENT VEHICLES THE RANGER HAD TO BEAT BEST NEWCOMER

BEST NEWCOMER The GWM P-Series put on a stellar showing in our recent Bakkie Shootout to prove it is the most exciting new arrival in 2021.

Toyota Hilux Volkswagen Amarok Mitsubishi Triton Isuzu D-Max Nissan Navara
R503 700-R891 200 R743 900-R1 034 700 R654 995-R734 995 R424 900-R925 100 R489 900-R773 900

The bestselling double- The sole V6 diesel bakkie Ageing now in the double- Yes, we’re still waiting on Solidly built, with great
cab bakkie in 2021, recent here is the most refined and cab market but still the new one, but the “old” interior comfort and
additions to the Hilux range best riding but pricing (now
massively underrated and D-Max soldiers on with conveniences, the Navara
have only bolstered its beyond R1 million for the one vehicle we respect impeccable reliability and a offers a keen alternative to
appeal. Narrowly missed out Extreme) skews its appeal
in our 2021 Bakkie Shootout. towards the premium end. hugely. Drives well, looks solid dealer network. the bakkie Big Three.
great and is tough as nails.

+ New models on the way: Ford Ranger; Isuzu D-Max; Volkswagen Amarok

—
PREPARED TO PERFORM WITH CONFIDENCE

For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our website www.bridgestone.co.za

TOP THE BEST OF SELLERS

12

BEST BUYS

2022

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Ever since the company Toyota South Africa Motors retained a 20% market share, a con-
opened up shop at the sistent run of success, the likes of
southern tip of Africa in By: Ray Leathern Ray_Leathern which we’ve rarely seen challenged
1961, Toyota South Africa Motors in South African history.
(TSAM) has sought to contribute because of COVID-19 and its associated manufacturing challenges
to a more prosperous society – TSAM has continued to soar in South Africa. The firm celebrated At the tip of this spear is the
through the manufacturing and a record 42 years of sales leadership at the end of 2021 with an Toyota Hilux, of course, which
marketing of its automobiles. unprecedented 25,4% market share. This means that one in every retains its title as the country’s best-
2021 saw the Japanese manufac- four vehicles sold locally in 2021 was a Toyota-badged product. Of selling vehicle with a total of 36 085
turer celebrate 60 years in the the total industry of 464 122 cars, an aggregate of 117 659 units units sold in 2021. Toyota’s market
country (we see your 60, TSAM, was delivered by TSAM. share in the passenger segment is
and raise you another five with our the highest it has been in the last 12
65th anniversary). The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South years, matching similar figures from
Africa (NAAMSA) observed that, following the massive decline in 2018: 19,2%. This success comes off
Production of Toyota models at new-vehicle sales of 29,2% from 536 612 units in 2019 to 380 206 the back of the stellar new Corolla
Motor Assemblies began in 1962; units in 2020, the new-vehicle market reflected a strong rebound, Cross, while other notable perform-
initially with platform trucks like increasing year on year by 22,1% to 464 122 units in 2021. A close ers last year were the Starlet and
the Toyopet Stout, while the sales correlation exists between domestic new-vehicle sales and the Urban Cruiser; 12 103 and 8 899
organisation had formed one year overall performance of the economy and the new-vehicle market’s units respectively for 2021.
earlier. The first passenger car performance was aligned with the country’s projected GDP growth
produced in South Africa was the rate of around 5% for 2021. Where there are new cars, there
Toyota Corona (a nameplate that needs to be parts-supply solutions,
has not dated well) in the mid-’60s. Don’t think Toyota’s success was owing to some pandemic- and TSAM is proud that its parts-
related anomaly either, because the last time TSAM registered a supply business distributed more
While the automotive landscape market share higher than a quarter of the total market was back than 16 million items to domestic
has changed radically over the in 2003, which was not the best of years for the industry either; dealers and close to four million
last seven decades – least of all the total sales car park recorded only 380 000 units. Also worthy pieces overseas in 2021.
of mention is that for the past five years, since 2017, Toyota has

—
PREPARED TO PERFORM WITH CONFIDENCE

For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our website www.bridgestone.co.za

CAR’S FAVOURITES

Leon Theron, senior vice president of sales and marketing at ENGINE DESIGN
TSAM has paid tribute to Toyota’s employees, dealers and other
business partners for their support. “When we established the Audi 5,2-litre V10 Ford Ranger
brand in South Africa in 1961, we focused on establishing a wide
dealer network that directly serves customers. We genuinely As the world shifts It’s not easy reinventing
appreciate all those who have been part of the Toyota journey ever more emphatically an icon, but Ford looks
to date, including dealers, staff, as well as all the various brand towards electrification, to have done a splendid
ambassadors and customers,” Theron concluded. we can’t help but relish job with the new Ranger,
the visceral brilliance of mixing tough, practical
On a sombre note, the devastating effects of the pandemic the high-revving, naturally solutions with modern
weren’t felt only on the business front for Toyota South Africa. On aspirated 5,2-litre V10. tech and pukka off-road
Friday, 30 July 2021, the firm lost a visionary and industrialist with It’s mostly down to this ability. Now the Blue Oval
the untimely passing of its chairman, Dr Johan van Zyl. Just 63 atmospheric wonder that just needs to build ‘em so
years of age, Van Zyl – affectionately known as "the Doc” thanks the Audi R8 netted the
to his doctorate in business economics from the University of Performance Shootout we can have a go …
Potchefstroom – was recovering from COVID-19 complications in
a Pretoria hospital when he passed away. From the Hiluxes and 2022 win. TECH
the Land Cruisers he loved so dearly to the great work he did in
integrating TSAM into the global parent company, the legacy of MOTORSPORT Porsche synthetic fuel
the Doc will live on.
Max Verstappen In a bid to stave off
And so, thanks to its resilient manufacturing operations, extinction of the internal
crushing dominance in the sales charts and courage in the face After a controversial combustion engine and
of adversity during what was another extraordinarily testing year, season-decider in Abu keep its cars running on
Toyota South Africa Motors walks away with our 2022 award for Dhabi to become the first fire and fury for as long
Company of the Year. Long may their success continue and keep Dutchman to win the as possible, Porsche has
our automotive industry buoyant. Congratulations. Formula One World Driver’s built a synthetic fuel plant
Championship, and the in Chile and is working
first person not piloting a overtime on synfuels as
Mercedes-Benz to defeat
Lewis Hamilton in the a clean alternative to
turbo-hybrid era, Max electrification.
Verstappen deservedly

grabs this award.

—
PREPARED TO PERFORM WITH CONFIDENCE

For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our website www.bridgestone.co.za

TEST

It’s not
about the car

Four years on from its international debut, Audi’s all-electric
e-tron is finally here. Can it succeed where other
new-energy offerings have faltered?

01

Audi e-tron 55
quattro Advanced

54 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

Price: R1 990 000 0-100 km/h: 5,65 seconds Top speed: 200 km/h Power: 300 kW Torque: 664 N.m Range (CAR index): 441 km

Every inch what an electric Effortless drivetrain and Stylish, effortless and sophisticated;
Audi should be. How will luxurious, tech-filled cabin the e-tron is one of the best executed
the market respond? makes it the complete EVs on the market. Just give those
electric package wing-mirror cameras a miss
Ray Leathern
Nikesh Kooverjee Gareth Dean

P urgatory. That’s not exactly edge of a precipice with serious With these 100% charged, Audi As you’d expect from Audi, this
where we are but it’s an ramifications for the national GDP. claims 441 km of driving between everyday practicality is aided by
accurate description of the charges, which should provide an top-level digital tech. The TFT
South African electric-vehicle This rather lofty thought was angst-free period to complete all Virtual Cockpit is ahead of the
landscape right now. Everywhere, put on hold as the near-silent the necessary Road Test tasks. driver and two prominent screens
manufacturers of zero-emission Audi e-tron rolled into the CAR are positioned on the facia: one
vehicles are investing billions to garage for evaluation. At first Climbing aboard, it has a with emphasis on infotainment
swap ICE production to electric. glance, it comes across pleasingly gimmick-free interior, and the other configurable to
But there is still no clear road map conservatively, like a vehicle although the raised centre preferences like climate control or
for implementation in SA. Just like somewhere between a Q7 SUV console and slim glasshouse graphical tracking of energy flow.
Dante’s poem of the same title: and A6 Allroad. Give it a moment, initially feel constrictive. Audi And there are those virtual
“Purgatory shall produce a patient however, and you realise Marc talks up the cocooning effect on mirrors … a world-first for any
and humble soul resigned to Lichte’s nuanced design – subtle the driver but this is more an production car. They don’t only
divine will.” That’s us, waiting for in places, edgy in others – makes upshot of stowing an entire look great and draw a lot of
the next meaningful development a concerted effort to honour “skateboard” of batteries beneath attention, but also have an even
on the electrification horizon. existing Audi forms while the floor. The lithium-ion battery greater aerodynamic benefit. They
And let’s not forget Europe’s 2030 underlining futuristic detail. The consists of 432 cells, has a gross reduce the width of the car by
banning of “dirty” ICEs built in emphasis of sharp lines and capacity of 95 kWh, weighs 700 kg 150 mm and – along with the
South Africa. For all our high-tech triangular shapes like the flow- and measures 2 280 mm x computer-controlled radiator
production for export (BMW X3, optimised wheels, the absence of 1 630 mm x 340 mm. Size-wise, ducts, flat underbody and the
Ford Ranger/Everest, Mercedes- traditional wing mirrors, LED despite the familiar look, the long-edged roof spoiler –
Benz C-Class, Toyota Corolla headlamps and wraparound e-tron is a few millimetres shorter contribute to an overall drag
Cross/Hilux/Fortuner and taillamps are there for all to see. front to rear and top to bottom coefficient of 0,27 Cd. Equipped
Volkswagen Polo), we produce no Overt body-cladding between the than a Q7. There’s seating for five with conventional wing mirrors
EVs. Government, OEMs and the wheels highlights this as Audi’s adults with a Q7-besting 660-litre (the cameras are optional), the
private sector are standing at the talismanic EV; it’s where the boot that grows to 916 litres with figure increases to 0,28.
batteries live, the energy source. the rear seats folded down.

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 55

TEST

Operating the e-tron is simple MATCH-UP Furthermore, it takes faith that
enough. The starter button, the image contained therein has
transmission selector and Drive Audi e-tron 55 Mercedes-Benz Jaguar I-Pace no blind spots because adjusting
Select all live in close proximity to quattro Advanced EQC 400 AMG Line EV400 AWD S Black your field of view does not alter
one another on the centre the camera display as it would
console, the sole stand-alone Every bit the sophisticated, Premium Plus Jaguar’s trailblazer is the with a simple mirror. All things
buttons in the cabin. Hitting the refined and somewhat quickest here and offers the considered, we’d forego the
starter summons the There’s precious little to optional virtual mirrors.
instrumentation and with no remote family conveyance choose between them, but best theortical range, but
engine noise to speak of, your we’ve come to expect from at a push, the Mercedes compared to the latest From the outset, the range
next target is a futuristic-looking Audi. Just happens to be feels more everyday, the readout stayed constant at
drive selector with the self- electric, whisper quiet and most like an ICE vehicle offerings, it can feel slightly ±350 km as the kilometres rolled
explanatory D, N, R and P. Less heavy and ponderous at off. When it came time to
attentive onlookers got the fright silky smooth. adapted to electric. regular speeds. performance test the e-tron, we
of their lives as the test unit Impressively practical. toggled the drive selector from
glided out of the CAR garage, Efficiency to Dynamic to unleash
having confirmed its bulky price: R1 990 000 price: TBC price: R1 999 900 its paciest setting. Fed by its
2 669 kg kerb weight distributed 95-kWh traction battery, the two
evenly with 50:50 weight split. electric motor type: AC induction/ electric motor type: AC induction/ electric motor type: Permanent electric motors are near-identical,
generating a maximum of 125 kW
On the highway, the electric asynchronous, front and rear asynchronous, front and rear magnet synchronous on the front axle and 140 kW at
Audi is a colossus. Engage the rear, working together as a
adaptive cruise control and lane- power: 300 kW/4 500-13 000 r/min power: 300 kW/4 000-12 000 r/min power: 294 kW/4 000-5 000 r/min sort of new-age electric quattro.
keeping assist and progress is In Boost mode, the total output is
effortless with little to distract torque: 664 N.m/0-4 000 r/min torque: 760 N.m/0-3 500 r/min torque: 696 N.m/0-4 000 r/min 300 kW and 664 N.m for short
you from conversations with your bursts. Strapped with our testing
passengers and keeping a beady gears/drive: 1/4 gears/drive: 1/4 gears/drive: 1/4 gear, we saw a fastest zero to
eye on the cruising range/state of 100 km/h time of 5,65 seconds;
charge. Subjectively, the virtual 0-100 km/h: 5,65 sec 0-100 km/h: 5,10 sec 0-100 km/h: 4,82 sec out of Boost mode, you’ll achieve
mirrors do take a while to get something in the region of
used to. The cameras feed two top speed: 200 km/h top speed: 180 km/h top speed: 200 km/h 6,50 seconds. The top speed is
digital screens on the inside of the limited to 200 km/h because
doors. However, members of the range WLTP: 441 km range WLTP: 429 km range WLTP: 470 km energy usage at higher speeds
CAR team commented they are would be prohibitively high.
positioned a few millimetres luggage capac: 620/916 L luggage capac: 500/1 460 L luggage capac: 320/1 168 L
below where your eye Bar the murmur of rubber
instinctively goes to check the serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km serv/maint plan: M3/100 000 km meeting tarmac, there is precious
mirrors. It requires a concerted little interior sound. While its
effort to adjust your eye line. USED OPTION [<2yrs] handling capability is of purely
academic interest in the greater
01 The e-tron’s cabin is not far removed from Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupè Going on price alone, as there are no comparable context of electric mobility, we
that of a Q7’s. Being able to adjust brake secondhand EVs on the market yet, a boisterious, slope-roofed AMG SUV could be yours for the were keen to see how the EV
regeneration from steering wheel-mounted would handle a typical Western
paddles is a nice touch. 02 Virtual wing same money. The old guzzler does not have the same cachet as the electric though. Cape mountain pass. The answer
mirrors? We’re not converted yet. 03 Audi’s is only as dynamically as you
Virtual Cockpit can be configured with myriad 01 make concessions for. The
displays. Cruising range being the most useful. battery’s unique position, low
down in the long wheelbase
02 03 ensures enough heft to flatten
road imperfections, but any
benefit of a low centre of gravity is
more or less offset by the vehicle’s
sheer weight. Turn-in is urgent,
and pitch and roll are neutralised,
to an extent, by standard-fit air
suspension. Although, unleashing
instant punch from the electric
motors can leave the vehicle
lurching mid-corner if you’re
overeager with the throttle.
This brings Audi’s torque

56 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

Gross frontal area: 2,84 m2 Weight: 2 225 kg Drag coefficient: 0,27 Seating: 5

vectoring into play, where an Headroom: 820/880 mm Headroom/kneeroom: 910/660 mm
inside wheel is braked and the
outer accelerated to keep you in 620/916 L
line. The algorithms can adjust
this in just 30 milliseconds, 50 AUDI E-TRON 55 50% 50% 805 mm
times faster than conventional, QUATTRO ADVANCED 170 mm
mechanical quattro, claims Audi.
With all this intervention going SPECIFICATIONS 2 928 mm
on, it doesn’t exactly major in 4 901 mm
driver involvement. There is ELECTRIC MOTOR
minimal feedback from the Electric motor type: AC induction/ Width (excl. mirrors): 1 935 mm Track front/rear: 1 655/1 652 mm Tow rating (unbraked): 750 kg
steering, brake pedal, chassis and
electric motors. A worthy feature asynchronous, front and rear POWER & TORQUE ENGINE SPEED
is the adaptable brake
regeneration operated via paddle ELECTRIC MOTOR OUTPUT
shifters on the steering wheel. Max power ISO: 300 kW
There are three levels of
recuperation. True EV pros love Power peak/Red line: 4 500-13 000 r/min
the one-pedal feel, never wanting Max torque: 664 N.m
to call on hydraulic brake force
that’ll waste energy, but we prefer Torque peak: 0-4 000 r/min
less intervention on the overrun
to maximise the coasting ability. TRACTION BATTERY PARTS Left headlamp: R42 281,27 Left rear tyre: R3 871,00
Type: Lithium-ion PRICES* Windscreen: R13 344,93 Brake pads(front set): R6 356,68
Plainly, the e-tron is a Total parts basket: R65 853,88
technological tour de force that Overall Voltage: 396 V
should get people charged up for Capacity Gross/Net: 95 kWh/83,6 kWh TEST RESULTS
electric mobility. If we were to
level any criticism at it, it’d be that Onboard Charger: 22 kW Test conditions**: Ambient temp/barometric press: 22 °C/1 023 hPa Test car’s odometer: 6 370 km
the virtual wing mirrors need
further refinement, perhaps by TRANSMISSION TOP SPEED BRAKING TEST
channelling the feed to the centre Type: single speed Manufacturer’s figure: 200 km/h Best/worst stop: 2,74/3,23
screen. And Audi should further Reduction/reverse gear: 9,204 Average of 10 stops/rating: 3,10/good
explore lightweight componentry Drive wheels: all SPEEDO CALIBRATION (true speed) Average stopping distance: 42,61 m
beyond the vehicle’s aluminium Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability 60 80 100 120
and steel structure. Something control), hill start 56 77 96 115 10 stops from 100 km/h measured in seconds.
like BMW iX’s carbon-fibre core
would be highly beneficial to the BRAKES Odometer error: 0,50% under BATTERY CHARGING TIME
overall package. Front: 375 mm ventilated discs standard wall socket to 100%: 26 hours
Rear: 350 mm ventilated discs ACCELERATION (sec) home wallbox charger to 100%: 10 hours
Although, that’s not where the Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA 0-60 0-80 0-100 0-120 0-140
real challenge lies because now 3,08 4,21 5,65 7,49 9,95 quick charge to 80%: 31 minutes
that the e-tron and a whole flotilla WHEELS AND TYRES
of new-energy vehicles have Tyre make: Continental Premium Contact Manufacturer’s figure (WLTP Combined)
arrived in South Africa (watch out 22,5
for the Road Tests coming soon), Tyre size: 265/45 R21 kWh/100 km
we’re left with a lot of promises Spare – type and location: none,
about the EV future but very few OVERTAKING ACCELERATION (sec) Test route
certainties. The manufacturers mobility kit Estimated range
have done their bit, now it’s time 40-60 DRIVE 17,5
to implement a convincing EV STEERING 60-80 1,11 kWh/100 km
strategy. So, like the title of this Type: rack and pinion, electric power assistt 80-100 1,13
story, it’s not really about the car 100-120 1,44 441 km
… the difficult work is only just Lock to lock: 2,6 turns 120-140 1,86
beginning. Turning circle diameter: 12,2 m 2,55

SUSPENSION Power/mass: 135 W/kg PERFORMANCE
Front: independent, multilink, coil springs, Cabin noise level at idle: 34 dD FACTORS
Engine speed (at true 120 km/h in top gear): 7 819 r/min
anti-roll bar
Rear: independent, multilink, coil springs,

anti-roll bar

WARRANTY & SERVICE INTERVALS FEATURES Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio
1-year/unlimited km warranty CHECKLIST system: radio/aux-in/USB/Bluetooth/voice control/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cruise control: standard, adaptive Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard
8-year/160 000 km battery warranty
5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan Windows: electric front Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height
Services according to onboard computer
Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust:

electric rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on:

standard Headlamps auto-on: standard Head-up display: optional

*Prices as recommended by manufacturer
**All tests conducted at sea level

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d
Coupé 4Matic 9G-tronic

Mid-sized Merc gets an under-bonnet boost

02

Price: R1 149 694 0 to 100 km/h: 7,14 seconds Top speed: 233 km/h Power: 180 kW Torque: 500 N.m CAR Fuel index: 7,10 L/100km CO2: 156 g/km

The cabin finishes are The extra power adds to
top-notch and the engine the package but pricing
and ride quality plush is steep

Nikesh Kooverjee Peter Palm

T he GLC Coupé styling is coupé rivals, the oversized three- route, a compact mobility kit. In although the front cushions could
attractive, in a modern, pointed star is extremely bold and South Africa, this is barely have more under-thigh support.
generic sort of way. You placed dead-centre in the grille. acceptable with our poor roads Legroom is decent in the rear but
could be forgiven for thinking this and tyre-munching potholes. headroom is restricted, a common
is a regular GLC owing to the When you get to the rear of the Perhaps it’s the four-wheel-drive problem with a tapering rear-roof
sheer size of the sloping rear car, there are compromises. The system that robs interior space? design. The upholstery uses Artico
windscreen. Not the case, this is load sill is too high and the roof- Yet ,the result is seriously limited which Mercedes-Benz calls “man-
the chopped-roof iteration from line too low to provide sufficient boot space for a family SUV. Aside made leather”. This is a fancy
the vast Mercedes-Benz stable. We interior space. The latter comes from this, the GLC is in the sweet description for vinyl but then the
are more than spoilt for choice with the styling and the need to spot, size-wise; large enough for company does know how to
with the plethora of ranges, reduce drag so what about the five without being so big that it supply top-quality vinyl from way
variants and body styles former? We can argue that even a feels cumbersome or a mission to back in the ‘50s to ‘70s. The
nowadays. To ensure no-one space-saver spare takes up find suitable parking spaces. centre-seat covering is a
confuses this GLC with any of its luggage room but then many microfibre material similar to
manufacturers opt for the easy The seats are comfortable

58 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

TEST

01

05

02

01 & 05 Interior detailing is as you’d expect on
a Mercedes-Benz: top-notch features with the
occasional questionable material. Touchpad
takes some getting used to. 02 Full-size SUV
or sloped-roof coupé? The trade-off is
practicality versus looks. 03 No matter the
trim and materials used, the GLC is serenely
04 comfortable. 04 Striking LED taillamps.

MATCH-UP

Volvo XC60 B6 AWD BMW X3 xDrive30d Mercedes-Benz GLC 03 test unit. We always find smaller
R-Design M Sport 300d Coupé 4Matic options provide the better ride
Alcantara that is both cool and quality. All-wheel drive is not a
With diesels assigned to While the power output is A standout looker with a grippy at the same time. necessity for our largely snow-free
history, the 220 kW lower than the others and balance of presence, power, climate and does add to the
dynamics, ride quality and The facia is clad in an attractive expense, although, here you have
turbopetrol closely matches the car is a mere tar- black wood finish, mixing well no option. Steering has a nice
the GLC. Fuel consumption burner in sDrive frugality. Clever space with the satin aluminium controls weight to it with no artificial or
utilisation is notable with and vents. Vent design is a topic vague characteristics. As
is a tad thirsty at configuration, it remains a the exception of the sloped all on its own but Mercedes has expected, there is a choice of drive
9,10 L/100 km but there is great driver’s car. chosen the sensible route that can modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport,
significantly more luggage rear end and boot. seldom be improved upon by Sport+ and Individual. While Eco
Locally built, it is well sticking with an array of large, is the buzzword, here it simply
room than the others. worth the shortlist. circular inlets. The touchscreen is means engaging start/stop to save
an ideal size and easy to use. Less some fuel droplets and fiddle with
price: R988 000 price: R1 210 764 price: R1 149 694 intuitive is the touchpad between alternator settings. The other
the seats. If you happen to rest modes sharpen sensors, especially
cyl/capac: 4/1 969 cm3 cyl/capac: 4/1 995 cm3 cyl/capac: 4/1 950 cm3 your left hand there, as often the accelerator travel and gear
happens, your radio or music shift points. The gearbox gels well
power: 220 kW/5 400 r/min power: 195 kW/4 000 r/min power: 180 kW/4 200 r/min selection will go haywire. with the turbodiesel.

torque: 420 N.m/1 800-4 800 r/min torque: 620 N.m/1 750-2 500 r/min torque: 500 N.m/1 600-2 400 r/min Suspension offers a suitable When using the paddles you
combination setup and provides can feel the changes but these are
gears/drive: 8/4 gears/drive: 8/4 gears/drive: 9/4 decent handling and bump not abrupt, as befits a family SUV.
absorption. Travel is also good and The power output is naturally up
0-100 km/h: 6,20 sec 0-100 km/h: 5,80 sec 0-100 km/h: 7,14 sec only abrupt speed bumps will jar
occupants. The 19-inch wheels are
top speed: 180 km/h top speed: 240 km/h top speed: 233 km/h an inch smaller than our last GLC

fuel index: 9,10 L/100 km fuel index: 7,30 L/100 km fuel index: 7,10 L/100 km

luggage capac: 360/1 232 L luggage capac: 314/1 136 L luggage capac: 280/1 112 L

serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km

USED OPTION [<2yrs]

Porsche Macan A similar power output and four-wheel drive but with the added
status. Of course, the fuel consumption will be higher, too.

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 59

TEST Gross frontal area: 2,80 m2 Weight: 1 923 kg Drag coefficient: 0,32 Seating: 5
280/1 112 L
on the previously tested 220d and Headroom: 801/876 mm Headroom/Kneeroom: 902/728 mm
this 180 kW gives the weighty car
a respectable turn of speed with a 1 644 mm
sprint time from zero to 100 km/h
of 7,14 seconds. With a four- MERCEDES-BENZ 53% 47% 671 mm
cylinder, you don’t get any GLC 300D COUPE 181 mm
enjoyable sound effects. For that, 4MATIC 9G-TRONIC 2 873 mm
you will have to try the V6 4 658 mm
offerings of the AMG models but Built in Germany
that would take you well north of Width (excl. mirrors): 1 890 mm Track front/rear: 1 621/1 617 mm Tow rating (unbraked): 750 kg
a million rand. What you do get SPECIFICATIONS
with the 300d is a whole lot of POWER & TORQUE ENGINE SPEED
hush. The test car was whisper
quiet and devoid of rattles and ENGINE
squeaks, despite having over Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal
20 000 km on the odometer. While Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct
the petrol GLC300 version ups the injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel
power stakes even further, it
cannot compete at the pumps. Bore/stroke: 82,0/92,3 mm
Our fuel run saw a satisfactory Cubic capacity: 1 950 cm3
7,35 L/100 km and this should be Compression ratio: 15,5 to 1
good for 900 km range per tank. Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder

TEST SUMMARY ENGINE OUTPUT PARTS Oil filter: R326,91 Air filter: R769,20 Left headlamp: R23 499,78
Max power ISO: 180 kW PRICES* Left rear tyre: R2 842,61 Windscreen: R8 610,23 Brake pads
With so many Mercedes models Power peak/Red line: 4 200/5 250 r/min (front set): R2 078,86 Camchain (incl. tensioner): R7 422,89
from which to choose, the Total parts basket: R45 554,08
GLC300d Coupé is perhaps one of Max torque: 500 N.m
the best as it ticks most boxes for Torque peak: 1 600 - 2 400 r/min TEST RESULTS
power, economy, interior space,
roadholding and grip. It makes a TRANSMISSION Test conditions**: Ambient temp/barometric press: 27 °C/1 015 hPa Test car’s odometer: 20 750 km
great cruising vehicle with Type: nine-speed automatic
comfort and luxuries aplenty 1st gear /2nd gear: 5,35/3,24 to 1 TOP SPEED BRAKING TEST
although the options list can add 3rd gear /4th gear: 2,25/1,64 to 1 Manufacturer’s figure: 233 km/h Best/worst stop: 2,85/3,19
to the bottom-line cost. As always, 5th gear /6th gear: 1,21/1,00 to 1 Average of 10 stops/rating: 3,08/good
however, the competition is stiff 7th gear /8th gear: 0,87/0,72 to 11 SPEEDO CALIBRATION (true speed) Average stopping distance: 40,19 m
and in plentiful supply. 9th gear /Top gear: 0,60 to 1 60 80 100 120
58 78 98 118 10 stops from 100 km/h measured in seconds.
Mercedes LED head- and taillamps (previous Reverse gear: 4,80 to 1
page) feature an elegant light signature. Final drive: 3,07 to 1 Odometer error: 0,99% under FUEL CONSUMPTION
Drive wheels: all Fuel tank: 66 litres
60 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za ACCELERATION (sec)
Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability 0-60 0-80 0-100 0-120 0-140 Est. tank range (fuel index): 901 km
control), hill start 3,18 4,87 7,14 9,87 13,49 Taxable CO2 rating: 156 g/km

BRAKES Manufacturer’s figure
Front: 360 mm ventilated discs 6,00
Rear: 320 mm ventilated discs L/100 km
Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA

WHEELS AND TYRES OVERTAKING ACCELERATION (sec) CAR fuel index
Tyre make: Pirelli Scorpion Verde Fuel route
40-60 AT 7,20
Tyre size: 235/55 R19 60-80 1,34 L/100 km
Spare – type and location: space-saver, 80-100 1,67
100-120 2,12 7,35
under boot board 120-140 2,71 L/100 km
3,61
STEERING
Type: rack and pinion, electric power assist Power/mass: 94 W/kg Power/litre: 92 kW/litre PERFORMANCE
Torque/litre: 256 N.m/litre Cabin noise level at idle: 42 dB FACTORS
Lock to lock: 2,3 turns Engine speed (at true 120 km/h in top gear): 1 628 r/min
Turning circle diameter: 11,8 m
FEATURES Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system:
SUSPENSION CHECKLIST radio/USB/Bluetooth/voice control/Android Auto/Apple Car Play Cruise
Front: independent, MacPherson struts, coil control: standard Sat-nav: no Park assist: standard, incl. camera Windows:

springs, anti-roll bar all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual, incl. height Folding rear seat:
Rear: independent, multilink, coil springs,
60:40 split Upholstery: part-leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach
anti-roll bar
Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps
WARRANTY & SERVICE INTERVALS
2-year/unlimited km warranty auto-on: standard Head-up display: no

5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan *Prices as recommended by manufacturer
Services according to onboard computer **All tests conducted at sea level



Fiat 500 TwinAir
Sport MT

Down on power but full of enthusiasm, we test
Fiat’s updated two-cylinder scamp

03

Price: R281 900 0 to 100 km/h: 11,72 seconds Top speed: 173 km/h Power: 63 kW Torque: 145 N.m CAR Fuel index: 4,80 L/100 km CO : 88 g/km
2

A riotous swansong Improved over the old car, Peppy engine and generous
before an all-electric but other small hatches spec makes for an
500e inevitably enters offer more versatility appealing package
the fray
Nikesh Kooverjee Damian Adams
Ray Leathern

W e should probably somewhere suitable on which to the chunky key to get seat time. didn’t happen when the new Polo
qualify from the get-go drive their supercars flat out. And This is at odds with the reluctance or Corolla Cross rolled off the
that we love everything even if it’s not mid-engined and of regular South Africans to buy production line.
Italian. A sweeping statement, bristling with 1 000 horsepower, into the Fiat 500 lifestyle, mind
granted, but it’s true. How can you every car built in Italy is you. Odd but not unsurprising in a It is not only the unique
not love the nation that gave the considered a “supercar”. market where the locally built national psyche that has
world – among others – Volkswagen Polo and Toyota obstructed the sales success of
aqueducts, banking, opera, gelato, Case in point, Fiat’s recently Corolla range sells in its the Fiat 500 in South Africa. One
the mile marker, gondolas, the revitalised 500 Sport, a two- thousands every month. It’s key factor was pricing. Back in
light bulb, newspapers and, of cylinder urban supermini that probably worth admitting that 2008, Fiat trusted that a highly
course, the supercar. The Italians genuinely believes it is a Ferrari. South African taste in cars is specced variant going for top
were even the first to build This is a vehicle that’s been on conservative. Italy declared a dollar would sell well to the
dedicated motorways sale in South Africa since 2008, public holiday the day the new upwardly mobile set. This was not
(autostradas), so there was don’t forget, and 14 years on, the Fiat 500 launched. That definitely the case when it became clear
CAR team is still clamouring over that uniquely customised 500s –

62 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

TEST

something it was trading on in performance), stripped of all centric Dolcevita for those who driven to the max with the valves
heavily in Europe, boasting more niceties like alloy wheels and want to “live the good life”. The bouncing beneath the bonnet like
than half a million possible cutting-edge connectivity Sport and Dolcevita are available Fiat 500s of old. The turbocharged
variations – were taking months, features. This also fell flat. South in either hatchback or 500C two-pot buzzes like a nest of
sometimes years to reach South Africans are both a conservative convertible guise, the latter hornets, getting the 1 000 kg
Africa. It was a frustrating turn of and demanding bunch it seems. retailing for ±R50 000 more than supermini from rest to 100 km/h
events that saw many buyers the hatch. in a tested 11,72 seconds. This is
lured by the promise of a one-of- For 2022, Fiat, now under the by no means fast but it feels
a-kind 500 eventually losing auspices of the Stellantis Group, All 500s are powered by the urgent as you scythe through the
interest and a weird and has toned down the promise of same 0,8-litre two-cylinder gears and the speed builds. Short
wonderful collection of cars were wild customisation and TwinAir engine producing 63 kW gearing and a redline of just
left sitting on the dealership floor. consolidated the 500 range into and 145 N.m. An old-fashioned 6 000 r/min means you’re working
Fiat then tried to remedy the four clearly defined variants. Two five-speed manual or the divisive the gearbox all the time.
situation with an entry-level new additions to the line-up are automated manual (AMT) are
model for Kia/Hyundai money, the Cult and Connect – both at the your transmission options, our Its 88 g/km of CO2 emissions
with the outmoded 1,2-litre Fire bottom end of the pricing Sport is the former. The genius sees it score well in the eco
engine (it was anything but fiery spectrum – and then there is the with this downsized turbopetrol stakes, too. Even if you drive like
Sport (tested here) and the style- engine is that it still begs to be an Italian who is late for the

MATCH-UP

Fiat 500 Citroën C3 1,2T Hyundai i20 1,0T
TwinAir Sport MT Shine AT Fluid MT

For sheer spectacle and One more cylinder and a Not quite as boutique as
driving enjoyment, you bit more power and torque the others, performance is
need look no further than but with diminishing gains strong and standard mod-
the 500. The smiles per
mile can’t be beat. Well when it comes to cons on point. The
priced, but we’d love to see performance. The notchy turbopetrol drivetrain is a
a service plan standard. little too surging for our
gearbox is a headache
you’ll want to avoid. liking though.

01 price: R281 900 price: R352 900 price: R337 500
cyl/capac: 2/875 cm3 cyl/capac: 3/1 199 cm3 cyl/capac: 3/998 cm3
01 Interior layout as it was before, except with power: 63 kW/5 500 r/min power: 81 kW/5 500 r/min power: 90 kW/6 000 r/min
improved materials. You’ve got to love that torque: 145 N.m/1 900 r/min torque: 205 N.m/1 500 r/min torque: 172 N.m/1 500-4 000 r/min
stubby, short-throw manual gear lever.
02 Updated digital display features clear and gears/drive: 5/F gears/drive: 6/F gears/drive: 6/F
concise graphics. 03 An iconic shape that
stands the test of time, no matter the 02 0-100 km/h: 11,72 sec 0-100 km/h: 11,69 sec 0-100 km/h: 9,71 sec
generation. 04 TwinAir, twin USB charging top speed: 173 km/h top speed: 194 km/h top speed: 190 km/h
ports. 05 The 16-inch alloy wheels complete fuel index: 4,80 L/100 km fuel index: 7,20 L/100 km fuel index: 7,80 L/100 km
the Sport makeover.

luggage capac: 152/544 L luggage capac: 248/800 L luggage capac: 232/944 L
serv/maint plan: none
serv/maint plan: S3/60 000 km serv/maint plan: S4/60 000 km

USED OPTION [<2yrs]

Toyota Corolla Hatch 1,2T XS A city slicker with a turbo downsized engine that deserves your
attention in the nearly new market. Refinement and interior space the real standout.

03 04 05

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 63

TEST Gross frontal area: 2,18 m2 Weight: 1 014 kg Drag coefficient: 0,32 Seating: 4
152/544 L
Grand Prix at Monza, a real-world Headroom: 611-833 mm Headroom/Kneeroom: 841/554 mm
figure of 5,40 L/100 km is easily
attainable; and better is possible if 1 488 mm
you show restraint. That’s what
you’ll get driving flat out because, FIAT 500 TWINAIR 65% 35% 710 mm
like the Fiat 500s that have come SPORT MT 150 mm
before it, it has a feisty, Ferrari-
esque character that begins to feel Built in Poland 2 300 mm
like life is too short to waste it 3 546 mm
driving sensibly. Pay attention to SPECIFICATIONS
the next Fiat 500 you encounter Width (excl. mirrors): 1 627 mm Track front/rear: 1 413/1 407 mm Tow rating (unbraked): 400 kg
on the road; chances are it’s being ENGINE
driven close to the maximum. You Cylinders: two, inline, tranverse POWER & TORQUE ENGINE SPEED
rarely see one pootling to its Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel
destination with time to spare. injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol

On the inside, the Polish-built Bore/stroke: 80,5/86,0 mm
500 isn’t radically different from Cubic capacity: 875 cm3
previous models. After all, there’s
only so much you can do with the Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1
pint-sized architecture, but it has Valvegear: sohc, four valves per cyl
an uncanny ability to make you
happy before you even set off. ENGINE OUTPUT PARTS Oil filter: R173,09 Air filter: R264,10 Left headlamp: R5 119,85
From behind the chunky leather- Max power ISO: 63 kW PRICES* Left rear tyre: R931,00 Windscreen: R2 724,38 Brake pads
wrapped wheel, in the comfy Power peak/Red line: 5 500/6 000 r/min (front set): R1 201,31 Camchain (incl. tensioner): R568,24
leather seat, you take in the Max torque: 145 N.m Total parts basket: R10 981,97
interior with its well-fitted, glossy Torque peak: 1 900 r/min
dash and clever instrument TEST RESULTS
binnacle with a two-in-one rev TRANSMISSION
counter and digital speedo and Type: five-speed manual Test conditions**: Ambient temp/barometric press: 24 ° C/1 007 hPa Test car’s odometer: 8 750 km
you can’t help but grin from ear to 1st gear /2nd gear: 4,10/2,16 to 1
ear. By modern-car standards, it’s 3rd gear /4th gear: 1,35/0,97 to 1 TOP SPEED BRAKING TEST
not particularly spacious when it Manufacturer’s figure: 173 km/h Best/worst stop: 3,02/3,20
comes to shoulder room or 5th gear: 0,77 to 1 Average of 10 stops/rating: 3,11/good
luggage/utility space but it is still Reverse gear: 3,82 to 1 SPEEDO CALIBRATION (true speed) Average stopping distance: 43,28 m
a great place to be. So good in fact, 60 80 100 120
that given enough time in one you Final drive: 3,69 to 1 56 76 95 114 10 stops from 100 km/h measured in seconds.
might develop an appreciation for Drive wheels: front
espressos and start gesticulating Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability Odometer error: 0,25% over FUEL CONSUMPTION
animatedly like an Italian while control), hill start Fuel tank: 35 litres
conversing with your passenger. ACCELERATION (sec)
BRAKES 0-60 0-80 0-100 0-120 0-140 Est. tank range (fuel index): 729 km
Sometimes even the best Front: 240 mm solid discs 4,34 7,82 11,72 18,11 26,97 Taxable CO2 rating: 88 g/km
cultural imports don’t quite
translate as they should over here Rear: 180 mm drums Manufacturer’s figure
in bakkie-loving South Africa. Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA
Despite a few ergonomic niggles 4,00
and a lack of practicality, the 500 WHEELS AND TYRES L/100 km
is still totally lovable and anyone Tyre make: Goodyear EfficientGrip
who puts money down for one OVERTAKING ACCELERATION (sec) CAR fuel index
will no doubt become besotted Tyre size: 195/45 R16 Fuel route
with it. Like we said, you’ve got to Spare – type and location: space-saver, 40-60 3rd 4th Top 4,80
love the Italians. 60-80 2,98 4,96 - L/100 km
under boot board 80-100 3,15 4,36 6,56
64 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za 100-120 3,85 4,90 6,63 5,40
STEERING 120-140 5,34 6,04 7,72 L/100 km
Type: rack and pinion, electric power assist 8,32 10,41
-
Lock to lock: 3,1 turns
Turning circle diameter: 9,3 m

SUSPENSION PERFORMANCE
Front: independent MacPherson struts, coil FACTORS

springs, anti-roll bar FEATURES Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: climate Audio system: radio/
Rear: torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll CHECKLIST MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Cruise
control: standard Sat-nav: no Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric
bar
Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual Folding rear seat: 50:50 split Upholstery:
WARRANTY & SERVICE INTERVALS
5-year/100 000 km warranty cloth (leather opt) Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake Steering audio controls:
No Service Plan
standard Tyre sensors: no Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard Head-up
Services according to onboard computer
display: no

*Prices as recommended by manufacturer
**All tests conducted at sea level

FREE D IGFIRTEAELIMSNAUCGBLSDCEURLIIDPVETEIRSOY:NSUBSCRIBE TO

PHOTOGRAPHY: UNSPLASH
Get 6 issues for only R199 (1 year) | 12 Issues for only R399 (2 years)

YOU’LL
SAVE UP TO

33%
OFF

THE COVER
PRICE

FOLLOW US

@PopularMechanicsSA

Digital-only subscriptions are available.

CONTACT US AND QUOTE 22/12/GEN/PM

HOW TO ONLINE EMAIL CALL
SUBSCRIBE:
hmshop.co.za [email protected] 087 550 0329

(select POPULAR MECHANICS)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This offer is valid until 30 December 2022 and applies to print subscribers with a South African address only.
By providing your personal details, you are giving POPULAR MECHANICS permission to communicate with you via email or SMS. For other great

offers visit hmshop.co.za. For foreign rates and queries, please contact Ramsay Media on 087 550 0329 or [email protected].

Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription

Despite an updated mild hybrid powertrain, it’s the subtlest of evolutions for Volvo’s halo SUV

04

Price: R1 283 500 0-100 km/h: 8,44 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 183 kW Torque: 350 N.m CAR fuel index: 8,76 L/100 km CO2: 163 g/km

Feels a touch more Mild hybrid does little Remains a luxurious
sophisticated than before to alter an already family hauler but
but it’s a very subtle step up impressive package benefits of mild-hybrid
update are minimal
Gareth Dean Ray Leathern
Damian Adams

T here’s a good chance that, attributed to the firm’s March 2021 carmaker and that transition technology, but rather that the
while reading this statement that it aims to become should happen by 2030.” models in question – including
magazine, you have a a “fully electric car company” by the XC90 we’re testing here – fall
smartphone or some other the year 2030, with plans to have These are bold statements, no under the company’s broader
Internet-enabled device within 50% of the Swedish carmaker’s doubt, but it has to be said that umbrella of electrified vehicles
reach. As an exercise, log onto sales volume comprise fully clicking on the above-mentioned that will form a bridge between
Volvo’s local website and click on electric models and a million website tabs will reveal a local the petrol and diesel engines we
the Menu tab; you’ll notice the electrified cars on the road by line-up that’s light on pure EVs know and the all-electric models
products are categorised as 2025. Volvo’s chief technology and plug-ins. The bulk of the to come.
“Electric” vehicles, followed by officer, Henrik Green, stated, firm’s local offerings sits in the
plug-in “Hybrids”, with “Other” “There is no future for cars with combustion-engined “Other” At the tail-end of last year,
cars lumped at the bottom of the an internal combustion engine. bracket. It’s not that Volvo is Volvo SA quietly introduced the
list. The reasoning behind this We are fully committed to paying lip service to its bold plans updated XC90 range to the local
unconventional hierarchy can be becoming an electric-only to embrace electric propulsion as market. While the aesthetic and
the future of the brand’s mobility specification updates are very

66 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

TEST

MATCH-UP subtle – comprising consolidation that have passed through our test
of the exterior paint and alloy fleet but the B5’s mild-hybrid
Volvo XC90 B5 Land Rover Lexus RX350L wheel options along with a new setup has upped the game,
AWD Inscription Discovery Sport P300e EX filtration system for climate proving impressively smooth and
control – the most significant quiet even under hard
R-Dynamic SE changes took place under the acceleration, while pick-up from
bonnets of the revised range. Both the starter when firing the engine
Remains a spacious, Genuine off-road capability That naturally aspirated the T5 and T6 are now recipients from a stop in traffic is barely
practical and eminently and brand cachet make the V6 means it falls short of of a 48V mild hybrid electrical discernable to vehicle occupants.
classy seven-seater option the others in terms of fuel architecture to supplement their
in its segment. Mild-hybrid Discovery Sport an internal combustion engines. The The new powertrain doesn’t
powertrain does improve appealing choice, as do the economy, but the RX’s former features a single-turbo present much in the way of
refinement a touch but the spacious cabin, generous 2,0-litre inline-four worth 187 kW improved performance, as the
benefits to running costs performance and fuel and 350 N.m, and the T6 a super- transition from T5 to B5 has seen
economy of its innovative specification and and turbocharged 2,0-litre inline- power drop marginally from
and performance are hybrid powertrain. Doesn’t sophisticated road four petrol unit developing 187 to 183 kW, while torque
incremental. conduct itself quite as well manners, allied with a 235 kW/400 N.m. remains unchanged at 350 N.m.
as the XC on-road, though. comparatively competitive Adequate is the term that best
asking price, make it a This comprises an integrated describes it. The T5’s Aisin-
starter generator and kinetic sourced AW TG-81SC 8-speed
worthy rival. energy recovery system that transmission has made way for an
harvests otherwise wasted energy updated AWF8G45 shift-by-wire
price: R1 283 500 price: R1 411 600 price: R1 233 500 during braking and coasting into a unit that requires less manual
48V battery. In addition to manipulation and, in the case of
cyl/capac: 4/1 969 cm3 cyl/capac: 3/1 497 cm3 cyl/capac: V6/3 456 cm3 shouldering some of the load our Inscription-spec test unit, is
from onboard electrical crowned with a fetching Orrefors
power: 183 kW/5 400 r/min power: 227 kW/5 500 r/min power: 216 kW/6300 r/min ancillaries, it also provides motive crystal shifter. It continues to
assistance to the tune of 10 kW/ generally gel well with the
torque: 350 N.m/1 800-4 800 r/min torque: 540 N.m/2 000-2 500 r/min torque: 358 N.m/4 600-4 700 r/min 40 N.m under hard acceleration updated powerplant, with buttery-
and ensures the start/stop process smooth upshifts but given the
gears/drive: 8/4 gears/drive: 8/4 gears/drive: 8/4 is a lot smoother and more modest power on offer, it does
assured than it is in cars with a sometimes need to drop a couple
0-100 km/h: 8,44 sec 0-100 km/h: 6,6 sec est 0-100 km/h: 8,33 sec 12V electrical setup. of cogs on kickdown during
overtaking manoeuvres. This does
top speed: 180 km/h top speed: 209 km/h top speed: 200 km/h We can’t say we have had any upset the car’s otherwise
qualms regarding the mechanical unflustered and peaceful
fuel index: 8,76 L/100 km fuel index: 2,50 L/100 km fuel index: 12,20 L/100 km refinement of any of the XC90s

luggage capac: 464/1 560 L luggage capac: 320/1 232 L luggage capac: 292/1 248 L

serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km serv/maint plan: M7/105 000 km

USED OPTION [<2yrs]

Land Rover Discovery TD6 SE We like the Disco’s mix of sophistication and off-road ability but
have levelled a bit of criticism towards it owing to its steep pricing relative to its Sport sibling.

With a couple of years of depreciation having done its work, there are plenty of examples
hovering around the XC90’s price point.

01 04 03

02

01 Little has changed externally with the update, but the XC90 remains a handsome and
practically packaged product. 02 & 03 Cabin is a study in solidly built Swedish under-
statement and perceived quality is very impressive. In-dash tablet and binnacle-mounted
TFT displays are function-rich. 04 Orrefors crystal gear knob crowns an updated shift-by-
wire Aisin transmission that’s smooth and assured.

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 67

TEST Gross frontal area: 3,20 m2 Weight: 2 288 kg Drag coefficient: 0,33 Seating: 7

demeanour. The need to toggle Headroom: Headroom/kneeroom: Headroom/kneeroom:
sequentially between the different 870/687 mm
gears when operating the shifter 767/914 mm 958/703 mm
is a caprice to which drivers will
no doubt adapt over time. 1 773 mm 144/384-464/1 560 L
1 880 mm
Both standing and in-gear
acceleration isn’t quite as strong VOLVO XC90 B5 AWD 52% 48% 775 mm
as that of the T5. The previous INSCRIPTION 223 mm
model’s claimed 7,7-second zero
to 100 km/h sprint time and Built in Sweden 2 984 mm
215 km/h top speed eclipses the 4 953 mm
B5’s 8,44-second and 180 km/h SPECIFICATIONS
efforts, but the 8,76 L/100 km fuel Width (excl. mirrors): 2 008 mm Track front/rear: 1 668/1 671 mm Tow rating (unbraked): 750 kg
index figure (8,50 L/100 km on our ENGINE
mixed-use fuel run) and CO2 Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal POWER & TORQUE ENGINE SPEED
emissions of 163 g/km are modest Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection,
improvements over the T5’s turbocharged, intercooled, petrol
9,10 L/100 km and 173 g/km.
Bore/stroke: 82,0/93,2 mm
TEST SUMMARY Cubic capacity: 1 969 cm3
Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1
Our three-and-a-half-star rating Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder
may look like a case of damning
the B5 with faint praise but it has ENGINE OUTPUT PARTS Oil filter: R208,47 Air filter: R1060,00 Left headlamp: R24 223,56
to be said the benefits of the mild Max power ISO: 183 kW PRICES* Left rear tyre: R4 283,30 Windscreen: R12 407,77 Brake pads
hybrid powertrain – beyond Power peak/Red line: 5 400/6 200 r/min (front set): R2 992,00 Camchain (incl. tensioner): R2 393,81
improved refinement and some Total parts basket: R53 285,31
gains at the petrol pumps – are Max torque: 350 N.m
marginal. Thankfully, the things Torque peak: 1 800-4 800 r/min
we’ve perennially loved about the
XC90 remain strong drawcards: TRANSMISSION TEST RESULTS
that cavernous and beautifully Type: eight-speed automatic
crafted cabin, upmarket styling, 1st gear /2nd gear: 5,06/3,07 to 1 Test conditions**: Ambient temp/barometric press: 31 °C/1 001 hPa Test car’s odometer: 2 371 km
relaxed driving manners and good 3rd gear /4th gear: 2,05/1,52 to 1
standard specification. The overall 5th gear /6th gear: 1,26/1,00 to 1 TOP SPEED BRAKING TEST
package will do quite nicely until 7th gear /Top gear: 0,79/0,66 to 1 Manufacturer’s figure: 180 km/h Best/worst stop: 2,75/3,11
a more EV-driven local line-up Average of 10 stops/rating: 3,00/good
appears on our shores. Reverse gear: 3,99 to 1 SPEEDO CALIBRATION (true speed) Average stopping distance: 38,96 m
Final drive: 3,33 to 1 60 80 100 120
Third-row seats fold flat into the load bay Drive wheels: all 56 76 95 114 10 stops from 100 km/h measured in seconds.
floor, contributing to a cavernous boot.
Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability Odometer error: 0,77% over FUEL CONSUMPTION
68 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za control), hill start Fuel tank: 71 litres
ACCELERATION (sec)
BRAKES 0-60 0-80 0-100 0-120 0-140 Est. tank range (fuel index): 811 km
Front: 345 mm ventilated discs 3,87 5,92 8,44 12,84 17,05 Taxable CO2 rating: 163 g/km

Rear: 320 mm solid discs Manufacturer’s figure
Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA
7,30
WHEELS AND TYRES L/100 km
Tyre make: Continental PremiumContact
OVERTAKING ACCELERATION (sec) CAR fuel index
Tyre size: 235/55 R20 Fuel route
Spare – type and location: full-size alloy, 40-60 AT 8,76
60-80 1,47 L/100 km
under boot board 80-100 2,05
100-120 2,52 8,50
STEERING 120-140 4,40 L/100 km
Type: rack and pinion, electric power assistt 4,71

Lock to lock: 2,9 turns Power/mass: 80 W/kg Power/litre: 93 kW/litre PERFORMANCE
Turning circle diameter: 11,8 m Torque/litre: 178 N.m/litre Cabin noise level at idle: 40 dB FACTORS
Engine speed (at true 120 km/h in top gear): 1 880 r/min
SUSPENSION
Front: independent, double wishbone, coil FEATURES Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: quad-zone climate Audio system:
CHECKLIST radio/aux-in/USB/Bluetooth/Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Cruise control:
springs, anti-roll bar standard, adaptive Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard, incl. camera
Rear: independent, multilink, transverse
Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding
leaf spring, anti-roll bar
rear seat: 40:20:40 split Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake +
WARRANTY & SERVICE INTERVALS
5-year/100 000 km warranty reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard

5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan Headlamps auto-on: standard Head-up display: optional
Services according to onboard computer
*Prices as recommended by manufacturer
**All tests conducted at sea level

COM

CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

Ca p e To w n’ s f a vour ite s ite fo r t h e rea l s co o p
on what’s happening in the Mother City

NEWS.
W E AT H E R .
FOOD & WINE.
TRAVEL. ADVENTURE.
E N T E R TA I N M E N T.
WHAT’S ON.

SCAN [email protected]
HERE

capetownetc.com

TEST LONG-TERM

WRAP
UP

VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2,0TSI 140 KW 4MOTION R-LINE

Roc-n-roller

Melding hatchback handling with a hint of crossover ruggedness, the T-Roc’s six-month
stint at CAR revealed a versatile and appealing member of Volkswagen’s T stable

Driver: Gareth Dean Gareth_Dean

6 months 10 862 km 7,81 L/100 km

+ eye-catching styling; engaging driving manners modest boot; hard interior plastics

My email inbox is frequently our roads. We spent six months in the line-up they – along with the facia. Although the materials
clogged with press releases from in the company of this stylish the striking contrast of the red feel durable and are squeak-free,
the automotive industry that mid-ranger in Volkswagen’s SUV bodywork and white roof (a R3 400 their application in a car costing
range from the tenuous to the line-up to see just what lends to option) – lend the T-Roc some more than R600 000 is a little
topical. One of the most recent this appeal. proper pavement cred. disappointing, especially in light
was from Volkswagen SA, which of the fact VW has gained an
proudly announced VW and Our test unit was the range- The cabin is about as enviable reputation for producing
Audi accounted for one in every topping 2,0TSI 4Matic R-Line conservatively upmarket and some of the most delightfully
four vehicles sold in 2021 ... a model, denoted by its fetching flush-fitting as you could hope tactile cabins over the years.
whopping 60 959 units for VW 19-inch bicolour rims and striking for from a Volkswagen product,
alone! While it was the much- D-shaped LED daytime running and the fitment of this model’s Interior space is reasonable for
loved T-Cross that stood out with light/indicator arrays in that deep dual-tone sports seats does a car underpinned by the compact
a 7 516-unit tally, the sportier and chin spoiler. On paper, they’re help lift the ambience. A bone MQB A1 platform but the boot’s
more niche T-Roc has become an fairly minor additions, but when of contention that will no 200 litres of luggage space with
increasingly common sight on parked alongside one of the doubt have its detractors is the the rear seats in place is modest
lower-rung Design-spec models extensive use of hard plastics on for a car of this ilk. Thankfully,

70 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

dropping the rear seatbacks sees My favourite is kept in check when tackling with the T-Roc, the stylish
that volume balloon to a far more moment twisty roads and the steering is crossover ably covered its bases
useful 900 litres. both pleasantly weighted and in terms of cosmetic appeal,
The first long-distance responsive. driver engagement and everyday
In keeping with its top billing drive to Montagu, through usability. It remains one of the
in the T-Roc range, the R-Line’s Shortly after its arrival, the pricier options in its class, but the
standard specification is fairly the snow-capped T-Roc was pressed into long- inclusion of this model’s generous
comprehensive and the bulk of Dutoitskloof Pass. Boot distance duty with a weekend standard specification, five-
the optional extras on our unit away to the picturesque Karoo year/90 000 km service plan and
comprised a suite of active safety brimful of weekend town of Montagu. The 2,0-litre the impending facelift that was
features that fall under the IQ getaway gear and music engine’s punch melded smoothly revealed at the end of last year
Drive banner. As standard, the and navigation streaming with the seven-speed dual- should help soften second-hand
R-Line comes equipped with wirelessly through the clutch transmission and proved values and strengthen its already
the IQ Drive Small Package, infotainment system … invaluable when keeping pace considerable appeal.
comprising adaptive cruise a great opening stanza with fast-moving traffic on the
control with emergency braking to the T-Roc’s six-month N2. Overall refinement also COSTS
and front assist and vehicle impressed. Little road and wind Fuel & top-up cost
stop feature. The radar-assisted stint – Gareth Dean noise permeated the cabin at
adaptive cruise control has proved motorway speeds, and the audio R14 778,32
useful on longer trips. Despite into a networked car, allowing system with optional wireless Cost per kilometre
being able to tailor following information drawn from the trip Android Auto allowed us to
distances, the system still tends to computer and onboard diagnostic enjoy our music on the move R1,32
play things safe; keeping too great system to be shared and analysed without the centre storage cubby
a gap between yourself and the on the app. Among the app’s becoming a tangle of cables. R593 600
car in front often leaves enough features are a map-enabled trip Purchase price then
room for traffic to cut in front, and refuelling logbook, the ability Although equipped with R628 900
further slowing your progress. It’s to schedule services with your an updated version of VW’s Purchase price now
a similar story with the standard nearest VW workshop, driving 4Motion Active Control System ±R600 000
Driver Alert system, which reads style analytics at a glance and GPS (it now incorporates a series Second-hand value
steering and throttle inputs to connectivity to such features as of configurable presets), its
detect potential driver drowsiness. breakdown assistance and even modest ground clearance and LOG BOOK
It’s reassuring to have this safety finding your vehicle in a packed 225/40 R19 rubber mean off-road Fuel used unleaded
net but it sometimes bleeps to life parking lot. The refuelling logbook meanderings are limited to rutted Top-up oil used nil
when driving sedately on roads proved particularly useful. The gravel tracks. Tread remaining (front/rear) 89/92%
with poor surface markings (it monthly shuffle through fuel
uses camera feed from the lane receipts is a thing of the past as Later in its tenure, I took the Best consumption
departure warning system). The it provides a neat summary of T-Roc for a spot of off-tarmac
optional IQ Drive Big Package the T-Roc’s fuel consumption and touring on the picturesque 7,08 L/100 km
(R10 500) ushers in blind spot running costs. Highland Road, just outside Elgin.
assist and active lane-keeping, Hardly the stuff of 4x4 fanatic’s Worst consumption
both of which have proved Nestled under that slimline dreams, this undulating gravel
very useful in cut-and-thrust grille is a version of VW’s long- stretch still presented a slippery 9,41 L/100 km
motorway driving. The safety serving EA888 2,0-litre, four- path with some declines into
suite’s mixed performance hasn’t cylinder turbopetrol engine. In which the hill descent control Average consumption
been too much of a distraction keeping with the R-Line’s sporty system could sink its teeth ...
as most systems are thankfully proviso, this unit develops a and the result was a smooth and 7,81 L/100 km
configurable or overridable, but it’s hearty 140 kW and 320 N.m, one drama-free crawl to the base of a
great to know the systems are in of the more powerful offerings steeply elevated viewpoint. PARTS PRICES
the background keeping you on in its bracket. Our testing saw Oil filter: R247,25
the road and out of trouble. an equivalent model complete In its more off-road-oriented Air filter: R853,30
the zero to 100 km/h sprint in settings, the power steering, Camchain (incl. tensioner):
Perhaps one of the most 8,2 seconds, the 100-120 km/h traction control, throttle and
interesting features is standard overtaking manoeuvre took gearshift mapping operate in a R2 369,58
fitment (for this model) of VW’s 3,01 seconds; not barnstorming more measured manner. They Brake pads (front): R2 880.75
DataPlug. This Bluetooth-enabled but suitably brisk. Dynamically, prevent excess wheel-scrabble
unit clips into a data port under the T-Roc is engaging. With just and make brisk progress on Left headlamp: R65 032,50
the dash and connects to your 158 mm of ground clearance – loose surfaces a smooth and Windscreen: R10 304,00
smartphone via the Android/ just 16 mm over that of the Golf stable affair. On-road the system Tyre: R3 513,00
iOS We Connect Go app. This 8 – and a wide track, body roll contributes to levels of grip and
essentially turns your vehicle dynamic poise akin to those of a
performance-oriented hatchback.

During our six-month stint

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 71

TEST LONG-TERM

HYUNDAI I20 05
1,0T FLUID /06

Driver: Nikesh Kooverjee NikeshKooverjee 7,38 L/100 km

3 588 km

One major concern I had with was to travel there and back on heavy turbocharger. With more hotter, I was forced to use the air
the i20 was how hefty its average a single tank of fuel, with some deliberate throttle inputs, the conditioning again but when I
fuel consumption is. As per the mileage to spare. This sounds lowest figure I was able to see returned to the fuel station just
manufacturer’s claim, the 1,0-litre like an easy task, but when you on the instant fuel consumption four days later, the i20’s average
turbopetrol triple mill chugs consider the fuel tank is a mere indicator was 4,60 L/100 km. figure was 5,72 L/100 km. The
6,50 L/100 km on a combined 37 litres –and a one-way trip from lowest I’ve achieved to date.
cycle. This means my current my driveway to the destination is As the summer days got
average of 7,38 L/100 km – which a 185 km journey – I was going to
I feel is a little high – is not too be cutting it fine.
far off, and considering the turbo-
charged hatch has been subjected To my surprise, as soon as we
to mostly extra-urban driving, I do hit the long road with the air
wonder why. conditioning turned off and cruise
control locked in place, the i20
During a recent holiday, I sat at a steady 5,00 L/100 km. In
stretched the i20’s legs a little in this speed range, the engine was
the Robertson wine valley. My goal happy to not rely on its boost-

72 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

FORD RANGER 2,0 BIT 05
4X4 10 AT STORMTRAK /06

Driver: Ray Leathern Ray_Leathern

6 746 km 9,40 L/100 km

Should you choose it wisely, your transported with no personal
car can be all things to you: a benefit whatsoever. Well, no
status symbol, family and load- personal benefit besides everyone
lugger, traffic skiver and, if you in the neighbourhood thinking,
opted for a bakkie, a one-way “Hey, that Ray guy from up the
ticket to adventure and a fuller road … he’s just the best, he
life. Last month, I espoused the helped tow my boat.” And you
Ranger Stormtrak’s wonderous know what? I don’t regret it.
talents as a surf mobile, with its
rugged, weekend-warrior vibe and Towing that Tom Cat was
the pleasing versatility of the rear something I would not have had
roller shutter. All this capability the opportunity to do without
comes with a caveat because, Stormy. I can vouch that with 4H
again, when your bakkie is all engaged and 500 N.m of torque, it
things to you, that’s exactly how was an absolute cinch.
other people treat it.
There may be one last big
There’s always something that adventure for Stormy before it
needs moving. Furniture, garden goes back to Ford next month but
refuse ... Yep, having the keys to I cannot guarantee anything. I
a bakkie is a licence for others have to help my neighbour move
to call at inopportune moments some furniture and there is a lot
to ask for myriad things to be of farm rubble to be cleared, so
we’ll see.

PEUGEOT LANDTREK 02
1,9D 4ACTION 4X4 /06

Driver: Peter Palm PeterPalm12

1 245 km 9,85 L/100 km

As expected, the Landtrek’s fuel ratio allowing about 2 000 r/min of
consumption is improving and engine speed at a progression of
has now dropped to just under 10 km/h in low gear. It has already
9,9 L/100 km. On an excursion successfully competed in many
to the quaint town of Darling, I Dakar rallies so, these roads were
took a shortcut past the Groote no problem for the Peugeot.
Post winery. This road has
fine, powdered gravel in areas
so I could try out the traction
and stability control as well as
deliberately park in some soft
sand where the rear wheels were
unable to propel the Peugeot
forward. A flick of the rotary knob
to 4x4 high immediately cured
this. Low range was also engaged
and proved to have a well-chosen

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 73

Techtalk
We look at the latest advancements in
technology and their application on
current and future vehicles

By: Gareth Dean
GarethD_CARmag

KOENIGSEGG’S QUIRKY Famed for its outrageous hypercars, Swedish automotive firm
Koenigsegg has unveiled an innovative electric motor system with

QUARK EV MOTOR applications that could span beyond high-performance motoring.
Dubbed Quark, the electric motor utilises both power-dense radial

(where energy flow is perpendicular to the rotational axis) and torque-dense axial (where power flow is parallel to rotational axis) architectures to provide

the best power-to-torque-to-weight ratio of current EV motors. Quark’s shell is about the size of three 300 ml drinks cans, weighs just 30 kg and is capable

of producing up to 250 kW and 600 N.m. This would not only allow Quark to be hub-installed on automobiles, but it’s also compact enough for aerospace

and marine applications. Furthermore, Koenigsegg’s modular Terrier EV module connects two Quarks to its six-phase David inverter – negating the need for

bulky planetary gearsets – to create a very compact but power-dense EV powertrain. One that supports lateral torque vectoring and can be elasto-bolted

directly onto a vehicle chassis without the need for complex subframes.

74 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

FORD MULLS MAGNETIC CONTINENTAL ROBOT TO FERRARI PATENTS BODY HEAT-
PICKUP LOAD BED SIMPLIFY EV CHARGING SENSING CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

You’ve no doubt seen some innovative and At the moment, home EV charging is an Intelligent driver monitoring systems are
precarious load-securing arrangements awkward ballet of manoeuvring your car as becoming increasingly common in future
comprising bungee cords, ropes, straps and best you can within reach of your wall socket infotainment and safety systems. So, it’s no
parcel tape adorning bakkies plying our roads. and charger cable. Various companies are surprise an automotive firm has come up with
Ford is looking to make such clumsy working on wireless induction charging the idea of a module that monitors body
measures a thing of the past with its latest solutions that entail parking over a floor- temperature to tailor climate control settings.
patent application. The system would entail mounted pad. These systems do away with What is surprising is just which manufacturer
embedding four to six individually controlled cables and the like, but the lack of physical has come to the fore with the latest solution.
magnets in the load bed to fully or partially connection to the vehicle’s batteries means Ferrari has patented a system that utilises an
magnetise the floor via a control panel they’re often subject to energy losses. array of sensors (including video and thermal
comprising either manual handles or Continental – in conjunction with Austrian cameras) to measure the temperatures of
automated servos overseen by an app in the tech start-up Volterio – has developed a individual zones in a vehicle, as well as
infotainment system. Ford is also system that’s a hybrid of induction pad and occupants’ body temperature. Processing
investigating the possibility of applying this physical connection. The two-part system such parameters as body shape, gender and
technology to load bed walls and roofs to comprises a floor plate and a receiver even the individual’s clothing, the system
create a complete magnetic tie-down mounted to the vehicle underbody. When the determines the optimal temperature,
arrangement. It’s an innovative approach to car parks over the plate, the two components circulation and airflow direction. Ferrari hasn’t
securing metal-based loads and could establish a physical charging connection. determined when or in which model this
dovetail neatly with the firm’s F-150 Lightning Drivers don’t have to be pinpoint-accurate technology will feature but the firm’s
EV truck’s design, but it will require some either as the system can compensate for Purosangue SUV – or an all-electric SUV most
serious insulation of surrounding wiring and discrepancies of up to 300 mm and is likely due in 2025 – are prime candidates
electrical architecture to prevent interference autonomous-ready, allowing it to charge self- owing to their need to accommodate four or
from such powerful magnets. driving (and parking) vehicles. more passengers.

BY THE GLOBAL MONTHLY PLUG-IN VEHICLE SALES & Y-O-Y GROWTH
NUMBERS
2019 2020 2021
GLOBAL EV SALES BOUNCE BACK
AFTER COVID-19 HIATUS 1 000 000 75%
900 000
THE GLOBAL ECONOMY IS STILL 800 000 75%
FEELING THE EFFECTS OF 700 000 97%
ALMOST TWO YEARS OF 600 000
PANDEMIC-INDUCED 500 000 156% 74%
400 000
RESTRICTIONS, ALTHOUGH, THE 300 000 176% 121%
OUTLOOK FOR EVS IS POSITIVE, 200 000
AS EVIDENCED BY WORLDWIDE 100 000 204% 99%
0
SALES WITH INCREASES AS 247%
HIGH AS 247% YEAR ON YEAR
113% 139%
SINCE 2019.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Note: Light vehicles Source: EV-Volumes.com

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 75

TECH FEATURE

For years petrol engines relied DIRECT
on the carburettor to mix air and

fuel in the correct ratio. By the
early ’90s, this had largely been

superseded by fuel injection.
Nowadays, direct injection has

become commonplace.
Let’s investigate …

M ention of the word carburettor accelerator had flooded it. For older enthusi-
will invoke a mix of contradicting asts, it will bring on memories of the intake
memories.The frustration of those growl of an Alfa Romeo fitted with twinWeber
cold winter mornings when a car simply 40 DCOEs or the sharp responses of a Ford
wouldn’t start – too little or too much choke – Escort BDA rally car blasting between corners
or the times when too much prodding of the through a forest. Not to mention memories of

76 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

By: Graham Eagle

INJECTION

the revered few who could balance the triple engines running at constant speeds and and temperatures. Despite their increased
SU setup on an E-Type Jaguar or the Italian were extremely simple. For use in motor sophistication, carburettors were unable
magician who could tune the six twin-choke vehicles, they quickly evolved in response to provide the precise control of the air-fuel
carburettors on aV12 Ferrari, just by listening. to the need to maintain the correct air/fuel mixture required by catalytic converters and
mixture across a range of engine speeds and from the 1980s, began to be phased out in
Invented in the early 1800s, the first loads, as well as changing ambient pressures favour of fuel injection.
carburettors were used on stationary

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 77

TECH FEATURE

EARLY FUE L I NJ ECT I ON 01 ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION
SYSTEMS
Direct injection The early MPI systems were superseded by
Fuel injection systems can be categorised improves performance electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems that
into two types: those where the fuel mixture offer significantly improved fuel metering
is formed externally and those where it is by enabling high accuracy and support the function of a three-
formed in the combustion chamber. External compression and turbo way catalytic converter. Still in use today, EFI
mixture formation is also known as manifold systems are controlled by the engine control
injection, the simplest form of which is boost pressure unit (ECU) with inputs from several sensors
single-point injection (SPI).As a low-cost including air and water temperature,
solution, it utilised a single injector mounted Fuel quantity was regulated by a manifold manifold vacuum, throttle position,
in a throttle body, which in many cases was vacuum-controlled airflow sensor and the crankshaft speed and angle.These are used to
designed as a bolt-on replacement for a car- relatively low fuel pressure was provided calculate the precise timing and mass of fuel
burettor and used the same inlet manifold by the fuel pump, keeping costs down.The injected. Simultaneous or group injection
and air cleaner system.They provided im- Bosch K-Jetronic was probably the most well- timing can be used but the drawback is that
proved cold-start performance, driveability known system of this type and was used timing cannot be optimised for each cylinder.
and fuel consumption but stricter emission extensively until the early 1990s. Other early Fixed sequential injection is an improvement
regulations soon saw them phased out in mechanical systems injected fuel intermit- in that the injection for each cylinder is
favour of more sophisticated multi-point tently and used a three-dimensional cam to fixed at exactly the required timing, while
injection (MPI) systems. follow an engine “map”, regulating both the cylinder-specific injection permits individual
timing and quantity of fuel injected. injection control, allowing for any air mass
MPI systems are also known as port in- variations between cylinders.
jection systems as each cylinder has its own
fuel injector, usually located in the manifold,
close to the intake port.Atomised fuel is
injected into the port where the air-fuel
mixture begins to form as it vaporises and
is drawn through the intake valve into the
cylinder. Because vaporisation begins before
the air enters the cylinder, a lower level of
atomisation is sufficient, allowing the use
of relatively low-pressure injection.The
phase change as the atomised fuel vaporises
also cools the incoming air and improves
the engine’s operating efficiency. Systems
introduced in the early 1970s did not feature
timed injection.The fuel was injected contin-
uously and was not ideal as this continued
even when intake valves were closed.

BEST OF BOTH 02

Some manufacturers fit engines with port
and direct injection systems to combine
the benefits of each. The Ford Ecoboost
V6 engine uses only port injection at low
engine speeds to reduce noise and ensure
cleaning of inlet valves, but combines this
with direct injection at higher engine loads
and speeds to benefit from the improved
combustion chamber cooling. Toyota uses
a slightly different approach on some
engines, combining both systems at low
speeds and loads, and changing to direct
injection only at higher speeds.

78 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

MASERATI’S APPROACH

Maserati recently introduced the new Nettuno improving economy and performance. With development resources increasingly
engine in its mid-engined MC20. Its first new A second spark plug is fitted at the side of the focused on electrification, it’s encouraging to
in-house engine programme in 20 years, the main combustion chamber while dual fuel know that the development of new technologies
90°, 3,0-litre, twin-turbo V6 develops 463 kW injection is also used: the common rail port to improve the performance and efficiency of IC
and 730 N.m, making it one of the most power- injection operating at six bar and the direct engines continues, even if future applications
dense engines in production. Maserati attributes injection at 350 bar. might be limited.
this exceptional performance to its unique
combustion chamber design that incorporates While the pre-chamber operates at all engine
technology currently used in F1. It features a 1,5 speeds, the second spark plug is prioritised at
cc pre-combustion chamber fitted with its own low speed and loads, as is the port injection, to
spark plug and connected to the main chamber optimise combustion stability, NVH and efficiency.
by a series of specially designed holes. The As speed and loads increase, the pre-chamber
air-fuel mixture is forced into the pre-combustion and the direct injection become dominant,
chamber on the compression stroke where it improving high-speed power and efficiency.
ignites and is channelled back through the holes Overall, Maserati claims the pre-chamber
into the main chamber creating multiple ignition design has added approximately 75 kW and, in
points. This creates more uniform and complete conjunction with the dual fuel injection systems,
combustion at higher engine loads and speeds, has enabled a 15% increase in compression ratio
and a fuel consumption reduction of up to 30%.

DIRECT INJECTION 03 employed in GDI engines: homogeneous or
stratified charge.With the homogeneous
Appearing on regular road cars only since directly into the combustion chamber where operation, fuel is injected early in the intake
being introduced by Mitsubishi in 1996, it mixes with air entering via the inlet valve. stroke allowing a homogeneous mixture to
gasoline direct injection (GDI) was widely Compared to port injection MPI engines, this be formed, cooling the combustion chamber,
used on WW2 aircraft engines. Its first use in leaves a short time for vaporisation, which and minimising the possibility of detonation.
a car was in the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL necessitates high injection pressures of up With stratified charge the fuel is injected
Gullwing coupé and roadster and provided a to 350 bar to create the fine fuel atomisation towards the end of the compression stroke;
significant power increase. and precise injection timing required.The swirl injection and shaped-top pistons
cooling benefit of the fuel phase change create an ideal air-fuel mixture around the
With direct injection, the fuel mixture occurs within the combustion chamber, spark plug while the rest of the combustion
is formed internally; the fuel is injected lowering surface temperatures and the chamber has a lean mixture.This improves
potential for premature ignition of the air/ efficiency at lower speeds but owing to the
01 Port injection, where fuel is injected fuel mixture (detonation).This enables the resulting slower combustion, the engine
into the intake port. 02 Direct injection, use of higher compression ratios and turbo switches to homogeneous combustion at
boost pressures to improve efficiency higher speeds. Most GDI engines now use
fuel is injected directly into the and performance. homogenous operation as the overall effi-
combustion chamber. 03 The 1955 ciency advantages of stratified charge is not
Mercedes-Benz 300SL was the first Two combustion strategies can be considered sufficient.
production car to feature direct injection.
While direct injection systems improve
fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, they
do have their downsides.The operation of
the high-pressure injectors can be noisy and
the high-pressure fuel pump and other fuel
system components are all more expensive
than the low-pressure equivalents. Intake
valves do not have the benefit of being
cleaned by the fuel additives and this can lead
to a build-up of carbon deposits.The short fuel
vaporisation time may result in incomplete
combustion leading to increased soot or
particulate emissions. Particulates are similar
but smaller than those produced by diesel
engines and particulate filters are sometimes
required for GDI engines to meet the most
stringent emission regulations.

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 79

SPEED

THE PRICE

By: Stuart Johnston | Photos: Ian Fairley

80 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

IS RIGHT
We visit Hi-Tech
Automotive’s
amazing facility
and catch up
with its enigmatic
founder,
Jimmy Price

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 81

Jimmy Price says he would 01
hate to be standing next to
one of his cars when a 02
knowledgeable car person walks
up to it and says: “Not bad! But
it’s a pity about the body ripples.
And the door shut lines. The
orange peel on the paint. And look
at the shortcuts taken with the
wheels, the windscreen and the
leather upholstery.”

The culture Jimmy has created
at his car factory, Hi-Tech
Automotive in Gqeberha, doesn’t
even countenance the concept of
shortcuts. Every single aspect of
the massive 25 000 m2 facility is
dedicated to creating the best
continuation-series cars in the
world. From concept to final
execution, the Hi-Tech-built cars
bristle with quality, attention-to-
detail and, above all, authenticity.
They are, quite simply, the best of
their type to be found anywhere
… and the market he plays in is
well aware of this.

“The Cobra is the most
replicated car in the world,” says
Jimmy, now well into his 70s.
“Right now, there are about 20
companies building replicas. The
fact is, we are pretty much at the
head of the pack.” Hi-Tech doesn’t
just build Cobra recreation cars.
Over the past three and a half
decades, the company has built
close to 30 different makes and
models, including GT40s, Shelby
Daytona Coupés, a continuation
series of the 1962 Corvette Grand
Sport, steel-bodied 1932 Ford

82 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

SPEED

hotrods, AC Brooklands, the As of the beginning of 2022,
Lotus 7 style Z1, the mid-engined Hi-Tech Automotive has built
Noble and Rossion sportscars, the over 6 000 cars, with mainstream
amazing Zagato Z One, four production getting underway in
Wesbank Modified and 22 SASCAR 1996. Apart from a handful of cars
racing cars, as well as prototypes that exist in South Africa, the UK
of the electric Joule, the ill-fated and Europe, most of the Cobras,
South African project of Optimal Daytona Coupés and Ford GT40s
Energy that eventually closed its have been exported to the United
doors in 2012. States, and all of them without
engines and gearboxes. The
Over this same period, Hi-Tech reason is the otherwise-complete
came close to taking on several cars are exported as an
projects that included TVR “assemblage of parts”, and this
sportscars, the De Tomaso way the cars don’t have to go
Pantera, the American Mosler, through the vastly expensive
Gumpert Apollo, AC Cars, Galmer homologation and crash-testing
and even a Mercury Marine- process in the US to enable them
developed jet-ski project. to be sold as new cars.

01 The Zagato Z One was production-ready, but the global financial crises of 2008-2009 put the The rolling chassis arrive at
project on hold. 02 The designer of the Daytona Coupe in the ‘60s, Peter Brock, visited the Hi-Tech Hi-Tech’s US customers,
Superformance and Shelby
factory to supervise the accuracy of this replica. 03 GT40 and Cobra production in full swing. Legendary Cars, and it is here
All cars are buit to order, with sales handled by Superformance and Shelby outlets worldwide. where the brand-new engines and
gearboxes that customers specify
03 are installed. Because of this
export-only focus, Hi-Tech has
never sought to publicise its
exploits locally. It is only since
Peter Lindenberg – with
assistance from Jimmy –
established Shelby South Africa in
2016 that right-hand-drive
Hi-Tech products have been
offered for sale here. Because
these products carry Shelby and
official GT40 continuation-series
ratification – effectively rendering
them as genuine Cobras, Daytona
Coupés and GT40s – the prices of
these cars are prohibitive to all
but the most serious and wealthy
car collectors.

Right now, production in
Gqeberha is geared to the Cobra in
a number of variants: the Daytona
Coupé, the Ford GT40 Mk I and Mk
II and the Corvette Grand Sport. In
the pipeline are some exciting
projects that will see Hi-Tech
explore different aspects of the
exclusive car collector market.

Our visit to its facility bore
visual proof that Jimmy’s market
leadership assessment is no
boast. Every department, every
workstation, is spotlessly clean
and functional without any hint

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 83

of ornamentation. The facility Just about everything that can 01
evolved from an old barn on this be created in-house is built at
very piece of land to what it is Hi-Tech, such as suspension
today, and every assembly hall or uprights, steering arms, wish-
manufacturing station is set up to bones, universal joints, fuel tanks,
be functional with maximum radiator header tanks ... the list
efficiency, minimum pretence. It goes on. There’s a simple reason.
is wonderful to see craftspeople As each car is handmade and
going about their work with a production numbers can vary
single-minded dedication. At the between 200 and 400 cars a year,
same time, it’s like a trip into the requesting a supplier to make
past, where people are hand- bespoke parts is just not viable.
fabricating complete cars without So, Hi-Tech manufactures them.
any sign of automation. As we For the GT40, which uses a metal
were passing a section of the roof structure just like the
factory devoted to the GT40 original, Hi-Tech created its own
continuation models, Jimmy metal presses to form the roofs.
remarked in passing – with his
trademark wry half-smile – that The same goes for chroming.
over 286 separate metal pieces go At an early stage in the Cobra
into the making of a GT40 build project, a couple of decades
monocoque chassis, which is built ago, Jimmy realised it was almost
from the original drawings. impossible to get a consistent
standard of chroming from local

02

01 Every station is so
clean you could have your
lunch on it. 02 Precision
chassis construction
requires dedication and a
pride in workmanship.
03 The vast Hi-Tech
facility is a wonderful mix
of old-world
craftsmanship and
technical efficiency .
04 Jimmy Price started
his Cobra replica
business after reading a
CAR article in 1984.

03

84 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

04 SPEED

plating companies. The solution
was to establish an in-house
electroplating facility. The same
thing was done when it came to
the ceramic coating for the
exhaust systems. Hi-Tech has
created a facility to do that in-
house as well.

Seeing the cars in the final
assembly area, one can once
again only endorse Jimmy’s
assertion that these cars are the
best of their type. The fibreglass
and paintwork are so good, it is
difficult to believe they are
composite bodies. The under-skin
detail work in the engine
compartments and cockpits is
flawless and painstakingly correct
in terms of recreating the original
cars built by Shelby American and
Ford Advanced vehicles way back
in the 1960s.

When he first got into the
business of replicating Cobras
over 30 years ago, Jimmy knew
virtually nothing about these
quirky Anglo-American sportscars
other than what he had read in a
CAR article in the June 1984 issue
(it was, in fact, this author’s very
first contribution to CAR). The
article Jimmy saw mentioned a
fellow called Richard de Beer, who
had imported a Cobra kit car from
America and was interested in
starting up a similar operation in
South Africa. Interestingly,
Richard lived in Jimmy’s
hometown. Jimmy was tiring of
the business he was in, clay brick
manufacturing in Plettenberg Bay.
His sons were entering their teens
and he wanted to spend more
time with them. Subconsciously
or not, he was ripe for a change.

Jimmy and Richard got
together, and within a relatively
short time, they had found
premises on a smallholding about
20 km outside of Port Elizabeth
and built the first of what has
become known as Hi-Tech Cobras.
Back in those days, as now, there
were dozens of kit car builders,
from replicating the famous
Cobra, a hybrid of an English
sportscar with an all-American V8

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 85

engine. All of them were sold as 01
kits, which enthusiastic amateurs
would assemble in their home 01 A GT40 in the foreground with a delicious line-up of Cobras awaiting wheel fitment. Picture: Colin Mileman. 02 A period-racer replica of
workshops. Or try to at least ... a famous Mk II Cobra in the 1960s. Note the early-style Halibrand wheels, used in the days when the road cars were fitted with wire
many of the kits ended up as wheels. 03 A wide-bodied Mk III Cobra replica gets the polishing treatment after a visit to the paint shop. 04 No stickers are used. Hi-Tech
unfinished projects, or badly built, paints all striping and decals on its special-edition cars. 05 Cobra interior showing classic Smiths instrumentation, just like the originals
ill-handling cars with little in the 1960s. Picture: Colin Mileman.
historical homage to the originals.
02
From the get-go, Jimmy knew
he wanted to get away from the
kit side of the business and build
complete cars that people could
hop into and drive. Richard had
already built so-called turn-key
replica cars, based on the MG TD.
Using the imported Cobra kit car
as a guide, Jimmy set about
creating a body mould. He
developed his own chassis and,
importantly, designed and built a
bespoke suspension and steering
system that would eliminate the
bump-steer and disconnect
between the steering and front
wheels that plagued early kit-car
Cobras. Jimmy was also
determined to build his cars to a
standard of authenticity never
before attempted. An example of
this is the lengths he went to
create a dashboard in his Cobras
exactly like the original.

“Although the literature on the
Cobras was extremely scarce, I
persevered. I knew I had to get
hold of the original Smiths
instrumentation for the car
because that’s how they were in
the 1960s when AC Cars in
England and Carrol Shelby in
California built them. “Smiths
Instruments, the company, had
been sold to VDO, but eventually
I traced a small subsidiary in
Wales that still built gauges with
the Smiths name. The specific
gauges I needed had a convex face
and the Cobra speedo had a
reverse sweep with the needle
moving anti-clockwise, and
marked up to 180 mph.”

It took a couple of trips to the
UK to convince this subsidiary of
what he required and on a
subsequent visit, an elderly
passing storeman who had been
with Smiths for decades
remembered the original dies for

86 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

03 SPEED
04
the gauges, and the printing
05 tooling, was mouldering away in
one of the stores. The outcome
was that the Hi-Tech man came
away having placed an order for
200 sets of the complete original
AC-spec Smiths instrumentation.

He then visited an old factory
nearby that manufactured the
original Moto Lita steering wheels,
alongside a leather jacket
business of all things. He placed
an order for 200 of those as well.
Jimmy had no problem selling the
first few Hi-Tech Cobra replicas
locally through Greg Erasmus in
Johannesburg. Greg was a
prominent assembler of kits who
immediately saw the benefits of a
factory-built and assembled car.
By this stage, in 1989, Richard had
decided to leave Hi-Tech to
develop his own projects.

Jimmy remained convinced he
could crack the export market to
the US. But funding what he had
in mind was not going to be easy
while continuing with his dream
to develop and manufacture his
“replicars” as he called them. A
chance read of an article about
the explosion of sales for the new
Ford Explorer in the US offered
the solution. At that time, import
duties were 110% on built-up cars
and 25% on parts and, as a
licensed motor vehicle
manufacturer, Hi-Tech could
legally import parts and assemble
vehicles in South Africa. After a
long road trip to drum up support,
he managed to convince the CMH
Group and the Barlow Motor
Group to come aboard with the
neccesary funding.

The next problem was to
convince an American dealer to
sell him vehicles and allow him to
strip them down completely into
component form, load them in a
container and only after the
shipper had collected the
container, could the dealer
present a letter of credit to his
bank for payment. “I found this
dealer in New Orleans, a colourful
character with gold chains and
tattoos, an office covered with

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 87

velvet and even a mirror on the SUPERFORMANCE
ceiling! He was extremely
sceptical when I told him I Superformance Mk III. A version of the Mk
wanted to buy a bunch of Ford
Explorers and strip them down III 427 cubic-inch Cobra, built under licence from
before shipping them to SA. But Carroll Shelby. A special Mk III-R version has be-
he thought, why not give it a go. come available featuring modern aerodynamic
We stripped those cars right updates and larger 18-inch wheels.
down, engine and gearbox out,
doors and bonnet off, wiring and Superformance Mk II Slab Side and FIA
dashboard out, everything. model. These are based on the earlier 289

“The upshot was I ended up cubic-inch Cobras and feature a different round-
selling 700 SKD (semi-knocked- tube chassis with a leaf-spring front end. The
down cars in South Africa. Later, body is much narrower than the MK III version.
we also imported Mitsubishi Special race replicas from the Ford v Ferrari
GT3000 sportscars, Toyota RAV4s, movie are also available.
even a Ferrari.” With funding for
his replicars in place, Jimmy set Superformance GT40 continuation
about getting a foothold in series. This model is based on the Ford GT40
America. He had already set up
Superformance in the US with Mk II that won Le Mans in 1966. It is licensed as
Ronnie Rosen, Basil Green’s ex- a continuation series car by Safir Spares Ltd,
partner in the well-known Perana which holds the GT40 copyright. There are
business. Ronnie had emigrated various versions available.
to the US and on a visit to South
Africa, had heard about Hi-Tech Superformance GT40 Mk I and FIA
and its SKD imports and wanted model. An extremely accurate recreation of
in on both projects. Ronnie
subsequently became the biggest the Mk I GT40 that, in developed form, won
Superformance dealer, eventually Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. This is also a con-
accounting for close to 40% of tinuation series, licensed by Safir Spares Ltd.
total sales.
Shelby Daytona Coupé. This is a replica of
One of the initial problems
Jimmy encountered was getting the streamlined coupé-bodied Cobra that won
the Americans to comprehend the 1965 World Manufacturer’s Championship
they had to install an engine and for GT cars. The replica was designed by Hi-Tech
gearbox. Jimmy embarked on an with the co-operation of Peter Brock, the man
ingenious publicity stunt to build who designed the original Daytona Coupé.
one of his kits in eight hours at a
kit-car show in Phoenix, Arizona. Corvette Grand Sport. A replica of the
He asked South African Bob
Olthoff, who raced Cobras Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, of which just six
successfully for the English originals were built by Zora Arkus Duntov for
Willment team in the 1960s to General Motors in late 1963 to challenge the Co-
accompany him to the build. bra. These cars are built under licence agree-
Olthoff was a friend of Bob ment to Duntov Motor Company in the US.
Bondurant, the famous American
Cobra driver and owner of the
world-famous racing-driver
school that bears his name, who
just happened to be based in
Phoenix. Olthoff and Jimmy
knocked on Bondurant’s door. The
American was delighted to see an
old friend he had raced with in
Europe in the ‘60s and invited
Hi-Tech to do the build in his
workshop, instead of the Phoenix

88 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

SPEED

01 continuation-series cars of his
Cobras. A South African friend of
01 A classic Superformance Mk III Cobra relica in right-hand-drive form. Hi-Tech cars are largely distributed through Jimmy’s arranged for him to meet
American-based Superformance. 02 This race-replica features more modern instruments than the classic versions of the Shelby and, amazingly, in the
Hi-Tech-built Cobras. 03 Chassis and suspension components are created by Hi-Tech in-house, for all its products. aftermath of the court case,
Shelby agreed for Hi-Tech to
02 hotel parking lot. The result was a officially continue the heritage of
publicity coup that paved the way his most famous creation.
03 for Olthoff to relocate to America
and set up shop as a dealer for The result of this was that
Superformance in North Carolina, apart from Superformance,
where his son Dennis continues Hi-Tech today also supplies
to trade. Shelby Legendary Cars with
vehicles for sale in the US.
Orders began streaming in for Interestingly, Shelby-approved
the Hi-Tech Cobras, and Jimmy cars are also sold through
recalls his factory went from Superformance dealers.
building 36 cars in 1995 to over 400
per annum by the year 2000, One of Jimmy’s greatest coups
employing over 600 people. (if you’ll excuse the pun) in
respect of Shelby’s legacy was to
Unfortunately, the Hi-Tech cars, obtain the rights to build the
now known as Superformance Daytona Coupé, effectively a
models in the States, were proving Cobra Mk II with a streamlined
a little too popular for the man closed-top body. Jimmy convinced
who started the whole Cobra ball Daytona’s original designer Peter
rolling, one Carroll Shelby. Shelby Brock to grant him the rights to
sued Hi-Tech in US Federal Court create a continuation series and
for copyright infringements. The Brock made two visits to Port
case dragged on for two years and Elizabeth to finalise the bodywork
all but exhausted Hi-Tech’s funds. on these beauties.

“We eventually won the case If all this sounds like a fairy
but learnt that the US legal tale, it should be pointed out that
system is not for sissies and that Hi-Tech has weathered some
legal costs – which, in our case, extremely tough times in its 35-
added up to R25 million – are not year history. In the wake of the
recoverable from the losing Twin Towers attack in New York
party.” In a twist of fate, Hi-Tech on 11 September 2001, the dollar
ended up building Shelby- dramatically lost value and by
approved Cobras for Shelby not 2003, Hi-Tech’s income was
too long after the court case had slashed by 60%. This meant going
been settled. Shelby had been from a substantial profit to a
looking for a partner to build substantial loss while still
building more than 400 cars
annually. A wry comment from
Jimmy on this topic is, “You soon
learn you get to meet a different
type of relationship manager from
your bank.”

Fortunately, Hi-Tech managed
to secure a contract to build the
mid-engined M400 sportscar for
UK-based constructor Lee Noble.
A car highly rated for its handling
and speed (it was capable of
300 km/h + thanks to its twin-
turbocharged Ford Duratec V6
engine), it was a very successful
contract for Hi-Tech. The bodies
and chassis were constructed in

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 89

SHELBY 01
LEGACY
CARS 01 A perfect replica of Ford GT40 chassis no. 1075, the first car to win the Le Mans 24-Hour twice, in
1968 and 1969. 02 The standard of machining and finish is superb. 03 Hi-Tech provided all the Ford-
Shelby CSX 7000 FIA engined cars for the Ford v Ferrari Hollywood blockbuster movie of 2019. 04 Jimmy Price flanked by his
two sons, Nick and Justin, left to right. Both his sons have worked a Hi-Tech since the 1990s.
Continuation series of a race-spec
Mk I Cobra. Port Elizabeth and shipped to the established a base at the defunct
UK where Lee installed the Gosforth Park horse racing course
Shelby CSX 8000 289 engines and other ancillaries. in Germiston. The partnership
Some 800 of the Noble M400s created an amazing motor-racing
Continuation series of an Mk II narrow- were built and a handful of them facility that included a road circuit,
body Cobra to accept a 289 cubic-inch V8. sold in South Africa. When Noble drag strip and an oval track that
ran into financial difficulties and became known as Wesbank
Shelby CSX 9000 was effectively ousted from the Raceway when the finance
company he had established, company bought the naming
A Shelby Daytona Coupé based on an Hi-Tech later manufactured the rights to the circuit.
Mk II Cobra roadster. M400’s successor, the Rossion Q1,
of which just 70 were built. Another impressive project at
Shelby CSX 8000 427 SC this time was a uniquely South
In another project at the time, African sportscar that Hi-Tech
Competition-orientated continuation series in association with race ace Peter developed, known as the Perana
version of the Mk III Cobra. Lindenberg, Jimmy built 22 Z One, which soon after became
American-style stock cars to known as the Zagato Z One, as it
Shelby CSX 9000 establish a racing series that wore beautiful coachwork
became known as SASCAR. The designed by the famous Italian
50th Anniversary Daytona Coupé. machines were initially built to be coachbuilder. This was the first
raced at a NASCAR-style oval and only South African car to be
Shelby CS GT40 track at Phakisa Raceway in the shown at an international motor
Free State, but when the initiator show. At Geneva in 2009, it
A replica of the Mk II GT40. of that project, Bobby Hartslief, attracted stunned audiences from
relocated to Colorado amid a the likes of Bentley and Ferrari
Shelby CSX 8000/GT40 Cinema massive financial storm, SASCAR personnel, who could not, at first,
Series began running events to coincide believe the car was built of
with other national series on fibreglass, so good was the finish.
Cars replicating the machines built by conventional circuits such as
Hi-Tech for the Ford v Ferrari movie. Zwartkops, Killarney, Aldo Unfortunately, the downturn in
Scribante and East London. the global economy that hit
Just a note to people who want to drop by and visit America particularly hard in
Hi-Tech Automotive. The factory is strictly closed to the According to Jimmy, the 2008/2009 saw Jimmy once again
public. This has been Hi-Tech’s policy since its inception. incumbent Wesbank V8s of the faced with a huge cash flow
Local enthusiasts who want to find out more about buy- time were over-tyred and problem as sales of the
ing these cars can visit www.shelbysa.com or underpowered while the SASCARs Superformance and Shelby cars
www.superformance.com were the opposite. They were plummeted by 85% and the
under-tyred and over-powered Zagato project had to be put on
90 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za and this made for more indefinite hold. Production at the
spectacular high jinks on track, Port Elizabeth plant slowed
which the crowds loved. The series almost to a standstill and the

SPEED

02 company went into business director and has been working at
rescue in 2013. Thanks to support Hi-Tech since the mid-1990s,
from a local business partner, the while his brother Nick has also
IDC and loyal friends, suppliers been with the company since the
and customers, the company late 1990s and heads up the HR,
exited business rescue and by administration and customer
2016, was back up to speed. relations side of the business.

In recent years, the company “We are evolving the business
has built some amazingly special constantly, so our products appeal
versions of the Cobra, including to the younger generation of
specific replicas of the slab-sided enthusiasts who are now reaching
Mk II cars raced by the likes of the stage in their lives where they
Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Bob can afford our cars,” says Justin
Bondurant. Another special car Price. “We have some exciting
that Hi-Tech conceived in this projects, which we can’t talk
rebuilding phase was the Corvette about right now, ones that will
Grand Sport. appeal to the millennial
generation especially.”
Perhaps the crowning glory of
Hi-Tech’s achievements has been As Jimmy steps down from the
the building of all the Ford- day-to-day running of Hi-Tech
engined cars that appeared in the Automotive, the company is
Ford v Ferrari movie that was an looking to enter an exciting new
international blockbuster in 2019. phase under the management of
The Cobras and GT40s that his sons. Reflecting on the success
Hi-Tech built were amazingly true of his unique formula, creating
to the originals that saw Ford over 6 000 cars, Jimmy explains
triumph over Ferrari at Le Mans in his rationale: “I wanted to create a
1966 with a trio of Ford GT40s. playing field like a boxing ring,
where the ropes were too high for
“Today, we build both the Mk I the little guys to climb in, and the
and the Mk II GT40s, and it seems ring itself was too small for the
the Mk I GT40s are more popular big guys.” By any and all measure,
among customers,” says Jimmy. Jimmy Price and Hi-Tech
The initial GT40 project was Automotive have succeeded in
largely the work of Jimmy’s son doing just that.
Justin, who is the engineering

03

04

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 91

SPEED

92 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

Following the
lacklustre turnout
for the running of
the most recent
Kyalami 9 Hour,
we cast our minds
back and recount
the notable
moments that put
this endurance
event on the map

By: Stuart Johnston | Photos: CAR archive

I magine travelling up to Johannesburg 01
from Cape Town in the early 1960s in
the family Ford Prefect, maxing out at KYALAMI
the vehicle’s top cruising speed of around 9 HOUR
100 km/h. Suddenly, without warning, a
petrol-green projectile slams past on the 02
narrow two-way road at 220 km/h and the
shock wave nearly spins the little Ford into
the Karoo desert shrubbery.

The driver of the green car was not show‐
ing off. He was driving close to flat-out to try
and secure his place on the starting grid for
the second Kyalami 9 Hour Endurance Race.
The car, a Ferrari 250 GTO, had docked in
Cape Town just two days before the event;
David Piper and his mechanic, Fairfax Dunn,
were hightailing it to the track to beat the
scrutineering deadline for the race and get in
some practice.

The Ferrari 250 GTO is generally acknow‐
ledged as the most collectable and desirable
of all Ferraris made since 1948. The idea of
driving what was then a brand-new racing
car 1 500 km from Cape Town to Johannes‐
burg would seem ludicrous today, especially
when it would then be required to immedi‐
ately complete a similar distance at Kyalami
under racing speeds. But late arrival of the
ship from the UK meant that was the deal for
Englishman “Pipes” and his sidekick Dunn.

The story had a happy ending. Despite hav‐
ing to borrow numerous spare tyres from
local competitors and a Ferrari enthusiast
who owned a 250 California, Piper – with
South African co-driver Bruce Johnstone –
went on to win the race, beating a UK-entered
“works” Austin Healey 3000 driven by South
African international stars Tony Maggs and
Bob Olthoff.

If Piper’s victory in that second Kyalami 9
Hour was unlikely, the very existence of
Kyalami, the race track, was a minor miracle.
The go-ahead to build the track was given
only in April 1961, when the land was bought
by the South African Motor Racing Club.
Incredibly, thanks to the help of Basil Reid –
who personally underwrote the building of
the track – his construction company ensured
the new circuit was race-ready just seven
months later on 4 November 1961, at the first
Kyalami 9 Hour Endurance Race. That first
event was a modified version of the famous
Le Mans start: the drivers sat in their racecars
parked at an angle in the pits, pointing to‐
wards the track, and the co-drivers lined up
for a sprint across the tarmac to hand the

94 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

SPEED

01 The Ferrari 312 of Ickx and Andretti A MINOR MIRACLE, THE up alongside the Porsche were a Ferrari 330
leads the field in 1971. 02 David Piper CIRCUIT WAS READY IN P4, a Ford GT40 and a Gunston-sponsored
and Bruce Johnston in the V12 Ferrari JUST SEVEN MONTHS 6,0-litre Lola Chevrolet T70 Mk IIIB entered for
250 GTO Berlinetta in 1962. 03 Jochen FOR THE FIRST 9 HOUR SA F1 champion John Love and British endur‐
Mass powers along in his Cologne Ford ance ace Brian Redman. Others in the stellar
Capri. 04 Doug Serrurier leads the way ENDURANCE RACE line-up included three more Lola T70s, a
through Crowthorne in his Lola Ford. Mirage Ford (the 1968 9 Hour winning car, this
drivers their car keys. No pit walls in those time with Mike Hailwood driving), a pair of
days, between the pit bays and racetrack. Porsche 908s and a host of Chevrons.

The famous run down towards the first A massive crowd had started gathering on
corner, Crowthorne, saw a D-Type Jaguar the Thursday, camping in the rough veld sur‐
(identical to a Le Mans-winning car) dicing for rounding the track. Almost all were aching to
the lead with a much-modified Alfa Romeo see the Porsche 917, which had debuted at
Giulietta TI saloon. That mix of fantastically Le Mans that year and was the fastest racing
fast sportscars and much slower saloons was car in the world. But bad news befell the
a continuing feature of the Kyalami 9 Hour Stuttgart-built missile when its cylinder block
races until the last one (before the modern cracked during practice, with no chance of
era) was held in 1982. In the 1961 race, the flying in a replacement engine.
slowest car was a 700 cc Goggomobile.
Undaunted, Johannesburg precision engin‐
After Piper’s first victory in 1962, the word eering works VOMS undertook a boer-maak-‘n-
went out among UK and European-based plan welding repair, patching the block with
drivers that the 9 Hour was a great way to magnesium, and amazingly the engine lasted!
escape the winter up north, and soon cars of Thus, the Porsche 917 scored one of its first
the calibre of a Lightweight Jaguar E-Type, AC significant endurance race victories. Yet, for
Cobras, Lotus 30s, Ford GT40s and Lola T70s many, the star of the show was a French-ra‐
made the trip south for some fun in the sun. cing blue Renault Gordini, a potent saloon
Piper notched up a series of Ferrari wins in then on sale in South Africa and offering
the 1960s, before being ousted for a couple of performance in the 2,0-litre class from its
races by the Mirage Ford (a bigger-engined Weber-fed 1 300 cc engine that boasted a re‐
Ford GT40 development with a narrower roof) markable hemispherical cylinder head.
in 1967 and 1968. Jackie Ickx of Belgium was
victorious on both these occasions. As happened at most 9 Hours held in the
Highveld’s rainy season, the track was lashed
Come 1969 and history was made when a by a thunderstorm that turned the 4,1 km
Porsche 917 made its first appearance, piloted circuit into a series of rivers. Here the tiny
by erstwhile Ferrari devotee Piper and his Renault with its skinny tyres streamed past
long-time co-driver Richard Attwood. Lined the Porsche, the Ferrari and all the Lolas;
their massive tyres acted like cumbersome
flotation devices.

03

04

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 95



SPEED

Notable victors 01
in years gone by
This author happened to be camping next 02
Dawie Gous to a pair of Gordini owners just beyond the
/John Love Dunlop bridge that year and I remember 01 The field plunges towards Crowthorne
Porsche 550 Spyder them getting drenched as they stood out in to a roar from the crowd. It appears not
the driving rain, cheering on Scamp Porter much thought was given to spectator
David Piper and Geoff Mortimer in the little Renault, lap safety at the time. 02 Ford GT40s were a
/Bruce Johnston after lap. The car finished fourth overall in a regular feature of the 9 Hour. This was a
Ferrari 250 GTO star-studded international field of pukka faster Mirage version which won in ‘67-’68.
sports racing cars!
Jacky Ickx
/Brian Redman Camping at Kyalami was an annual fun-
Mirage M1-Ford fest. It pretty much followed the Woodstock
recipe for mud-soaked fun with live bands
Clay Regazzoni playing the night before. Dope wasn’t yet the
/Arturo Merzario drug of choice among the revellers, but beer,
Ferrari 312PB cane spirits and brandy certainly were. One
year, I was standing next to the grandstands
Jody Scheckter just before the 11 pm finish when two
/Gunnar Nilsson drunken “okes” tried to scale the wire fence
BMW 3,0 CSL to enter the enclosure. Little did they know
that right next to the spot where they were
Stefan Bellof making their pitiful climb, the grandstand
/Derek Bell
Porsche 956

Riccardo Patrese
/Alessandro Nannini
Lancia LC2-84

Mathieu Jaminet
/Dennis Olsen
/Nick Tandy
Porsche 911 GT3 R

Augusto Farfus
/Nicky Catsburg
/Sheldon van der Linde
BMW M6 GT3

CARmag.co.za CAR APRIL 2022 97

SPEED

gate security had abandoned their post with JODY SCHECKTER - a Le Mans-winning Porsche 936 prototype,
just an hour to go and the wide-open gate ON LEAVE FROM entered by the Porsche factory, while in 1982,
would have given them direct access. An THE ARMY WITH the last of the “classic” 9 Hours run at the old
amused policeman watching all this finally Kyalami saw a Porsche 956 score a whitewash
got their attention and asked them where SHORT-BACK-AND- result in the form of the ground-effects Group
they thought they were going: “We’re going to SIDES - MADE HIS C Porsche 956s.
Kyalami,” was the slurred reply. INTERNATIONAL
DEBUT. NINE YEARS The Intercontinental GT Championship-
When the Kyalami 9 Hour celebrated its LATER HE WOULD deciding Kyalami 9 Hour for 2021 was res‐
10th anniversary in 1970, it had the distinc‐ cheduled to February 2022 owing to corona-
tion of drawing its first works entry in the BE FORMULA 1 virus constraints imposed last November. We
form of a blood-red Ferrari 512. This beautiful WORLD CHAMPION are sure that, having enjoyed time-travel of
machine saw off serious Porsche 917 opposi‐ the Kyalami 9 Hour Endurance Race, you’ll
tion to win, in the hands of Jacky Ickx and realise it is an event that, throughout its his‐
Ignazio Giunti. The following year Ferrari tory, has been defined by the organisers and
entered a brace of equally lovely 312Ps and racers emerging victorious by defying the
this time Clay Regazzoni and Brian Redman huge odds stacked against them. And 2022’s
won; but the driving display of the day came event, despite the small turnout, certainly
from Ickx in the other works Ferrari, who was continued this proud tradition.
masterful in the wet.
01
That year was the first appearance of the
beautiful 2600 Cologne Capri works Ford sa‐ 02 03
loon racer in the hands of Jochen Mass and
Dieter Glemser. A young Jody Scheckter – on 01 Jody Scheckter and Swede Gunnar Nilsson take
leave from the army with short-back-and- their BMW 3,0 CSL Batmobile to victory in 1976.
sides – drove an insanely raucous Mazda R100 02 The Reinhold Joest Porsche 908 was victorious in
rotary-engined coupé to great effect. It was 1973. 03 The Clay Reggazoni/Arturo Merzario Ferrari
Jody’s international debut, as previously he 312PB in the pits in 1972, it would go on to claim the
had only raced in Renault R8s in local races. outright win that year.
Some nine years later, he would become
World F1 champion in a Ferrari.

The fuel crises that struck the world in late
1973 really hurt local motor racing, but some‐
how SAMRAC managed to continue staging
races, both local and international. This paid
off, as the 1974 Kyalami 9 Hour was awarded
World Championship status and drew works
entries from Matra Simca, Gulf Mirage and
Porsche. However, the following year, the
race was reduced to 1 000 km status (effect‐
ively then a six-hour) and open only to saloon
(touring) cars. Nevertheless, the overseas
entrants still turned up and from this period
on, cars like Zakspeed Ford Escorts and BMW
3,0 CSL Batmobiles grabbed the headlines.

In 1978, the strangest winner of all came at
the annual Kyalami Festival of Speed – in the
form of a Datsun 140Z Coupé driven by Brian
Cook and Phil Adams. Twelve months later,
sports racers were back in the form of five
BMW M1 Procars, which took on the might of
our radically modified saloons.

The fuel crises days were a thing of the
past in 1981/1982 and once again, the race
reverted to full 9 Hour status. Appropriately,
a strong contingent of World Championship
sportscars competed. The winner in ’81 was

98 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za

THIS IS WHO
WE ARE


























! !

"


!


!













# $

$





%&&
'( )



*&
+ ,



"



"


- #


.



















!
















$




%&%/
0
+

$

1
. ,
'



"
"





,




















+



$


232 !









'
4


5







"


%











,























!




"
6


3




' !
5



5


7

!

8
)


#
5


7

# 9



9

9

9
,

!

buyused Visit Magazine

Know how much you can spend on a car but at
haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? carmag.co.za/cars-for-sale
Each month we recommend four options.
To find the latest
By: Peter Palm PeterPalm12 New & used cars

for sale

Renault Kwid 1,0 Datsun Go 1,2

4/5 seats, 224/840 L 2 airbags, ABS 4 seats, 200/760 L 2 airbags, ABS
R 3 950 January 2017 (1,0 Dynamique) R 3 925 March 2019

0 to 100 km/h: 13,67 seconds Top speed: 152 km/h Power: 50 kW 0 to 100 km/h: 13,98 seconds Top speed: 161 km/h Power: 50 kW
Torque: 91 N.m Fuel consumption: 5,64 L/100 km Torque: 104 N.m Fuel consumption: 6,24 L/100 km

The Kwid arrived to much enthusiasm with its funky looks, standard The first generation of Go was introduced in 2014. The follow-up

kit and low price tags of between R120 000 and R130 000. Appealing model of 2019 was much improved in feel, safety equipment and

to young, first-time buyers, it caught on quick. It has the 0,9-litre, infotainment. The styling is rather attractive for a budget car and

three-pot engine sans the turbocharger found on pricier Renault the fact that Datsun history in South Africa goes way back to the

models. This gives a meagre power output but with a mass of under 1960s. The safety improvement of the Go mimics that of the Kwid. In

700 kg, it is brisk enough for city use. It has some very useful 2019, both airbags and ABS were added and the wheel size increased

features such as an excellent air-con, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth from 13 to 14-inch. LED lighting too appeared on both. Oh, plus the

and electric front windows and mirrors. What was originally omitted touch screen with Apple and Android capabilities, all aimed at

is the most important safety feature of ABS braking. A facelift was appealing to a new generation of young drivers. The engine also has

introduced in late 2019 with redesigned front, ABS and dual airbags three cylinders but is larger, at 1,2-litres. It doesn’t up the power

as standard and larger, 14-inch wheels. If you need to spend less, say output … that remains at 50 kW. The torque output of 104 N.m puts

lower than R80 000, you will have to settle for the earlier version. it above the others for better overtaking acceleration. We noticed this

With our R120 000 budget, you first-hand by loading six adults

can purchase the much- FOR SALE into a Plus model (with the extra FOR SALE
improved new model. Apple row of seats) and were surprised

CarPlay and Android Auto are by its ability to climb steep hills.

further features along with rear The four-seater has a very

park sensors and a reverse compact boot, at 200 litres with

camera. A two-year service plan utility space of 760 litres but the

was included but this will have longer Plus does increase this to

expired. Beware of some of the 264/952 litres if you require extra

notoriously poor franchise Renault Kwid Expression, room. Note that a service plan Datsun Go 1,2 Lux,
dealers. Rather find an 2020, red, 20 000 km, was only an option. 2019, gold, 90 000 km,
independent workshop. R119 900
R119 990

100 CAR APRIL 2022 CARmag.co.za