Cream of Tata

Cream of Tata

Trading in more than 80 countries with close to 450 000 employees, having swallowed up the Jaguar and Land Rover marques just a few short years ago, Tata is one mighty company. With bragging rights to being the fifth largest truck manufacturer and the fourth biggest bus company globally one can only begin to understand just how big they really are.

Phonnie Cilliers, CEO of Accordian Investments (Tata SA) reckons: “In the South African context, out of Rosslyn, Pretoria, Tata Motors Assembly produce 20 different car and truck models, from hatchbacks to buses … interestingly, outside of India where Tata hails, South Africa is the largest consumer of Tata passenger cars.”

The latest addition to the family for local consumption (the Tata brand has been trading here since 1998), is the new Xenon XT range consisting a four-model bakkie lineup in single cab 4 x 2 (load capacity 1225 kg), single cab 4 x 4 (load capacity 1135 kg), double cab 4 x 2 (load capacity 1015 kg) and double cab 4 x 4 (load capacity 975 kg) derivatives.

The new XT is powered by the latest generation 2.2L VTT DiCOR (variable turbine technology, direct injection common rail) engine – this is the same Euro V engine that powers the Xenon range across the world developing peak power of 110 kW at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 320 Nm over the 1500-3000 rev range.

 Alas, to suit local conditions, this engine has had to be fine-tuned to meet domestic Euro II requirements because the best diesel fuel generally available here is 50 ppm (parts per million sulphur content), but once our government wakes up in the name of a cleaner environment for all and we are able to sell 5 ppm across our garage forecourts countrywide, so much the better!

Prospective buyers can expect and receive a European-styled bakkie featuring navigation and Bluetooth (standard in the double cab range), dual airbags, ABS, air conditioning, electric windows, power steering and rather comfortable bucket seats. There’s a limited slip differential for the single cabs and a differential lock (double cab), 4 x 4 is operated ‘on the fly’ electronically with the flick of a switch.

Stylewise, the XT features a front signature Tata chrome grille and attractive clear lens headlamps, complemented by flared wheel arches. A set of tough-looking alloy wheels, stylish pull type door handles, indicators on side rear view mirrors and a choice of exterior colours and car-like interiors, set this bakkie pleasantly apart from its competitors.

Cilliers told me the Xenon XT offers great value for money, ultra reliablility and cost of ownership*, complete peace of mind, advanced safety and some real style and comfort. A run through to Paarl in appalling Cape Town weather, on pot-holed dirt roads and motorway alike, revealed his claims to be largely true.

Perhaps car companies who offer bakkies in their lineup should consider at launch loading up the vehicle with a substantial amount of cargo to be able to judge just how well the vehicle performs under ‘real world’ conditions. I suspect, in the case of the XT, it could only benefit the Tata product …

To summarise, I’d say the Xenon XT could well be an excellent choice for segments such as family and leisure, farming, mining, construction, small businesses and municipalities. Its perceived competent off-roading capabilities could well make it an ideal vehicle for 4 x 4 enthusiasts – without breaking the bank.

Prices (including VAT):

Xenon XT Single Cab 4 x 2 R 189 995

Xenon XT Single Cab 4 x 4 R 245 995

Xenon XT Double Cab 4 x 2 R 239 995

Xenon XT Double Cab 4 x 4 R 269 995

Xenon XT comes with peace of mind offerings that are arguably above average, such as a five year/

90 000 km service plan, four year/120 000 km vehicle warranty, four year/120 000 km anti corrosion warranty and four year, unlimited km roadside assistance.

*According to the latest Kinsey Report (consumer watchdog for the local motor industry) the outgoing Xenon double cab has been ranked no. 1 In South Africa for the second year in a row, in terms of having the most competitive parts price basket.

Rav4 diesel

It’s hip to be square

Earlier this year Toyota released an all-new Rav4 – in fact there are four models in the revised range with prices starting from R279 900 (2.0 GX) rising to R399 900 for the flagship 2.5 VX AWD A/T derivative.

Nestling inbetween is quite possibly what is going to be the volume seller is the 2.2 GX AWD, with its lusty turbodiesel powerplant, one that develops 110kW at 3 600 rpm, and 340 Nm of torque from a rev baseline of just 2 000 rpm.

First impressions are everything, they say, and for me, within a few short kilometres it was quite obvious the build quality and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels are quite superb. Yes, there is a little diesel “clatter” at tick over – but this soon fades away as the revs rise.

Speaking of which, this particular Rav4 also boasts lively performance figures if need be: the 0-100 km/h traffic light grand prix can be completed in 10 seconds – not too shabby for a genuine (non-poseur), all-wheel drive, SUV.

This, the fourth generation Rav4 thus far, represents something of an entirely new approach from this bespoke Japanese car manufacturer. It’s stylish and for me justifiably stands a little aloof among its peers in the South African SUV marketplace.

Today, one doesn’t buy a vehicle without being very aware of its fuel consumption figures – here, the 2.2-litre GX shines through strongly, with offerings around 5.6 litres per 100 km/h – OK, these are ‘perfect-world’ figures bandies around from the factory – but in real life won’t be that wide of the mark … especially in six-speed manual guise and a gentle right foot.

Toyota’s tried and tested philosophy of ensuring everything works well in a vehicle once again rings true and is pretty much ‘bombproof’ in the 2013 Rav4 range – isn’t that something we’ve come to expect from this manufacturer for a number of years now?

To sum up, the Rav4 as tested over a recent weekend proved to be something a ‘breath of fresh air’ by offering brilliant cargo-carrying abilities, ultra-comfortable seating for all passengers, along with great legroom for those seated in the rear – along with other great levels of creature comforts to be found wherever you care to look.

FJ Cruiser

New six appeal

Showcased the same day as the V8 turbodiesel Toyota Landcruiser, the company also revealed an upgraded FJ Cruiser. (If you were wondering what those letters stood for I can reveal all: The 'F' stands for the engine series and 'J' Jeep.)

Anyway, the FJ has been around for just two years over here, a vehicle with unique looks like no other. Perhaps that is the attraction because you do seem to see plenty of them on the road. Again, as one might imagine, this is no poseur's luxury offroader alluded to by the 245 mm of ground clearance, a 34-degree approach angle, 31-degree departure angle and 29-degree breakover angle attributes.

Suffice to say wherever the New Land Cruiser went the FJ was close behind. Due in the main, methinks, to the introduction of the 'crawl control function', a feet-off control system that allows the vehicle to inch its way up just about any slope - or down - by simply dialling in the speed you feel comfortable with. This can be anything up to 25 km/h. Simplistically, it increases vehicle stability in extreme four-wheel driving conditions by minimising wheel spin and tyre lock-up.

There's also the addition of a second fuel tank (87 litres) that virtually doubles its fuel-load capacity to offer a grand total of 159 litres offering owners a theoretical fuel range of over 1000 km with the 200 kW/380 Nm 4.0-litre V6 petrol motor found under the bonnet.

All versions of the FJ Cruiser come with A five-year/90 000 km service plan and a three-year/100 000 km warranty. These models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme and entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.

Pricing at launch:

FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4 x 4 AT R462 200

FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 Sports Cruiser AT R485 200

Land Cruiser V8

Tough with the smooth

 Having proved themselves over and over again as the vehicle of choice when the going gets tough Toyota's Land Cruiser 70 range has now been rounded off - for the time being at least - with the option of a whopping 4461cc V8 turbodiesel mill, intercooled motor.

 When a vehicle carries the mantle of 'Masters of Africa' - and has done since 1971 when they first arrived in the South African marketplace - I guess they deserve some bragging rights and this latest model does it in some style. With 151kW at 3400 rpm and 430 Nm at a lowly 1200 rpm it offers the flattest torque curve of all Toyota's current range of engines. By way of comparison this latest model offers 55 kW more power and 145 Nm more torque than the naturally aspirated, indirect-injection, 4.2-litre, straight six diesel motor found in other Land Cruisers.

In a Reflective Mood: With a little leisure time on our hands, Toyota organised a balloon trip before breakfast .... 

Apparently customer feedback suggested a more powerful motor was needed, and listening to them decided a lusty new V8 was just what the doctor ordered. Little has changed in the looks department - still the same old tough-looking workhorse, if the truth be known, but now sporting a small V8 badge on the tailgate, a hood bulge to accept the water-cooled intercooler and the addition of an external snorkel-type air cleaning system bolted along the front wing and running high up on the driver's side windscreen frame.

That's it - very few other additional frills needed to make this particular Land Cruiser even more desirable to those who hanker after this type of vehicle ... And there's a lot of people out there who swear by them - how else can you account for a waiting list that totals 1242 at last count?

It was only fair to put this newcomer through its paces on a 4 x 4 track - it almost seemed a futile exercise in a way because the Land Cruiser's abilities to 'devour' anything thrown at it is legendary. The steepest dirt hillclimbs, the largest potholes and toughest bush tracks were all climbed out of, up and down with aplomb. Even novice 4 x 4 motoring hacks like me were made to look good!

Very little has changed inside the cab, a tweak here and a tweak there with one noticeable exception: the Land Cruiser has definitely moved into the 21st century with the addition of a new audio and navigation system. But someone in the design studio obviously has a sense of humour because the aerial fitted is a throwback to the 70s: press a button on the dashboard and a chrome, five-piece sectioned antenna rises from the mudguard! Hit the button again and it gently lowers! As a token to modernity, though, there's now a large display screen in the centre of the dash, there's smartphone connectivity and even SMS functionality. Going on a trip to Mozambique (as one does), no problem, it's now mapped - along with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland.

All new Land Cruiser 70 models come with Toyota's comprehensive three-year/100 000 km warranty. These models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme and entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.

Selected pricing

'76' 4.5 V8 Diesel SW R587 500

'79' 4.5 V8 Diesel SC R527 000

'79' 4.5 V8 Diesel DC R567 600

Kia Sorento CRDi

Sorento breaks the mould 

Korean Car manufacturer Kia have achieved something of a milestone of late in South Africa and their popularity is now plain for all to see, the company’s latest version of Sorento, the CRDi 2,2, a case in point.  It took a while but I’d even venture to say they are arguably now in the top three brands after Toyota and Volkswagen.

The top of the range Sorento 7-seater (shown here)

is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine which pumps out a healthy 147kW of power at

3 800 rpm, and a whopping 436Nm of torque from just 1 800rpm. It’s a real beaut of a unit offering plenty of power all through the gear range, and despite being powerful; it’s also quiet and refined. That give-away diesel clatter is simply nowhere to be heard once the motor has warmed up.

Comfort levels on the car are excellent and safety top drawer with the Sorento, having achieved a Euro NCAP rating of four stars. Fuel consumption is also excellent at a claimed 7,5 litres per 100km.

The Sorento is undoubtedly an SUV to be reckoned with and its only flaw in my eyes is that the quality of the various buttons and switches – especially the switches that control the electrically operated seat variables – feel a bit cheap.

The Sorento is nevertheless a great buy at R479 995, but compared to some of its rivals, such as the Chev Captiva and Toyota’s Fortuner does seem a tad expensive. However, it’s cheaper than BMW’s X3 diesel offering by way of comparison – yet it does the same job!

Right now everyone seems to want an SUV, so taking into account its popularity in the marketplace the Sorento deserves to do well.

For more information on the Sorento range go to www.kia.co.za

Volvo D3 V40

Cool, calm and collected Volvo V40 

The Volvo Car Company has had quite a torrid time of it these past four years or so. Ford sold them on from their Premier Auto Group of cars, due in the main to sales dropping worldwide. Such a shame really that such a solid company should suffer in this way. Taken over by the scruff of the neck by Geely, reputedly the largest car building company in China … things can only get better from now on, methinks.

There’s always something special to take note of when driving a Volvo – something new in the safety world that has other manufacturers clamouring like mad to emulate. A pal of mine bought a new car recently and while extolling the virtues of his new pride and joy pointed towards warning light(s) that illuminate when a vehicle is about to overtake in the wing mirrors … and an audible ‘lane changing warning device’ … “that’s not entirely new – maybe to your brand – but Volvo came up with those ideas some years ago!” I said.

Building on Volvo’s pedigree and heritage down the years they currently offer a 64-model line-up – quite diverse, in fact – and I was eagerly looking forward to one of their turbodiesel V40 (D3) models that came my way late last month.

I’m not sure long-term what the mighty Geely company will do with their Scandinavian flagship model (remember Tata have Land Rover and Jaguar), but in my eyes the Volvo name still stands tall as a quality made, ultra-safe, highly-pedigreed vehicle to drive and own.

Kudos was immediately paid to the marque – there’s actually a slot on the dash to put the keyless entry fob for once – not merely tossing it into the centre console and forgetting all about the damn thing … put on the safety belts and they simply glide into place – you just know this is a really safe place to be while driving.

There’s more to like as the test drive progresses … in the Volvo V40, the driver-centric approach is enhanced with a new, fully graphic instrument cluster (called Sensus) that allows the driver to personalise instrument layout and the information provided. The connectivity features include a mobile application that keeps the driver in touch with the car when it is parked.

The president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation reckons: "The all-new V40 has the most intuitive driver interface ever in a Volvo. We believe that the ultimate luxury is to own a car that fits you, understands you and evolves together with you. You jump in behind the wheel for the first time. You take a look at the dashboard - and you find everything so functional and obvious that you are ready to take off directly."

Meanwhile, Håkan Abrahamsson, vehicle line programme manager believes: “Expressive the V40 certainly is – especially under the bonnet. The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations, with this class-leading safety package, including enhanced focus on pedestrian protection, the all-new V40 aims for a full star rating in the new, sharpened 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests."

During my few days with the V40 (D3) I must say they have ranked among the very best for some considerable time. Niggles were few and far between … for instance, I found the simple act of locating MW over FM and back again a little frustrating while hunting around the centre stack. To ease my frustration the two-piece, 40:60 rear seat backrest proved a real boon because it can be easily folded in any which way you like to carry the odd-shaped packages that I needed to deliver. It’s also worth remembering this is a full five-seater vehicle …   

What’s it like to drive, I hear you say. In a nutshell, superb.

Factor in a whole raft of safety features – some unique to the Volvo marque – and it’s plain to see the D3’s appeal. Highlighting one of features that comes to mind is the corner traction control: a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car corners even more smoothly. The car's inner driven wheel is braked, causing more power to be transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

This system makes it easier to smoothly maintain the desired line on winding roads, in roundabouts and on wet surfaces. Corner Traction Control is a huge asset when exiting from a small side road to merge swiftly with faster highway traffic.

Isn’t this what we’ve come to expect from the erudite Volvo Car Company?

Diesel engines            Configuration                     Output             Torque

D3            2.0             5-cyl in-line                        110 kW            350 Nm

D2            1.6             4-cyl in-line                        84 kW              270 Nm

Prices

V40 D3 Geartronic Excel R339 800

V40 D3 Geartronic Elite R353 700

V40 D3 Geartronic R-Design R363 300

(Includes 14% VAT and Co2 tax)

Specifications

Motor: 5-cyl, 1984cc turbodiesel

Power: 110kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque: 350 Nm from 1500-2750 rpm

0-100 km/h: 9.3 seconds

Top Speed: 205 km/h (estimated)

Fuel tank: 60 litres

Notable innovative features: Self-parking assist (parallel parking)

Drive: FWD

Price as tested: R363 300 

Mobil booklets

Cars of the World: Some of the better – certainly more useful gimmicks came from the Mobil Petrol Company in South Africa who issued a set of four informative booklets, bound in a cardboard case back in the sixties.

 Frivolous forecourt freebies

 (or the lack of)

During this year (2013) motorists – and of course motorcyclists – are going to have to stump up considerably more cash to fill their fuel tanks – thanks in the main to the price of Brent Crude Oil having reached $116 a barrel – well that and our weakening rand/dollar exchange rate thrown into the mix for good measure.

According to a spokesman for the AA (Automobile Association), these monthly increases (shades of Eskom, I fear) are set to continue well into the second half of 2013, and as the fuel prices stand from midnight May 31 we’ll have to pay R12,10 minimum for a litre of unleaded; while those who drive diesel vehicles will ‘only’ be looking at having to find 18c a litre more to continue their motoring.

It has crossed my mind how down the years various petrol companies have tried to woo drivers onto their forecourts with gimmicks, giveaways and clever campaigns to try and keep motorists’ allegiance. These days, if you ask me, they don’t really seem to care – in fact, filling your costly tank to the brim doesn’t even ensure the pump jockey will even offer to clean your windscreen …

When I started motoring on two wheels and four it was the Esso petrol company in the UK that may well have started adding the word fun come fill-up time on their forecourts. “Put a tiger in your tank,” they claimed. Use their brand and you were rewarded with a miniature mock tiger’s tail that you jammed under your fuel cap and simply left there. It was amazing how people seemed to take notice, point and smile as you drove by.

Another UK petrol company called JET refused to support any sort of giveaways, instead preferring to offer the cheapest fuel in the land – albeit 1p (about 4c) a litre cheaper – the catch was you had to put the fuel into your car yourself – an idea that soon caught on with the other brands in the early ’70s – and come rain or shine (or snow!) is still the case today.

Meanwhile, Mobil not to be outdone here in South Africa issued a series of four booklets in a cardboard casing called Cars of the World. All you had to do was buy their petrol, pay a nominal amount and the books were yours! Written by J. D. Scheel and V. Hancke, motoring experts of the time; these books today have become collector’s items, especially if you have the box they were issued with.

Perhaps the very best free gimmick I can recall was again found in the UK and called Green Shield stamps. Fill up your car, buy your groceries, book a holiday – you were issued with what seemed like reams and reams of these little green sticky stamps. Paste them into a book and when you had a dozen or so of these albums take them to the Green Shield shop – found in every major town – and you could exchange them for goods of your choice.

This took quite a while for me to collect a substantial amount of them because I ran a Fiat 500 (and a Triumph Speed Twin), and you were assured of ‘quad’ stamps on four gallons (18 litres), trouble was the little air-cooled Fiat only had a 16-litre petrol tank!

 About to get married, and visiting one of the Green Shield stamp shops, my intended settled on a set of green desert bowls along with a matching fruit bowl – and we’ve still got the desert bowls after 43 years, such was the good quality!

Perhaps it’s time our petrol companies ‘lightened up’ a bit on the poor, hard-done-by motorist. They charge so much for the ‘liquid gold’ I’m sure they could come up with a freebie per tank of fuel sold … how about a Krugerrand for instance!