Diesel price average price for Cape Town, November 2013

BP at Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town: R13,10 per litre (50 ppm)

In a typical 35-gallon barrel of light, sweet crude oil the potential is there to make about 16 gallons of petrol, 8,5 gallons of diesel, 3,4 gallons of jet fuel and 8,5 gallons of heavy fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gases and other products...all for around $80!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Game, set and Mégane Hatch


Inspired by the Renault Mégane coupé concept car shown at a recent Geneva Motor Show, the hatch version released last year in Europe is the first of five, good looking, Mégane derivatives that will be a common sight on South African roads from now on, reckons DAVE FALL.

ALAS the bustle-back Mégane is no more — that sort of distinct and bold characteristic that French car manufacturer Renault are very good at implementing — but, sadly, there’s obviously no place for it in 2010. Instead, we have a complete makeover for the model range, and one that should equip itself well is the 1,9 dCi hatchback variant.

In the looks department strong coupé genes are cleverly passed down in this hatchback version. If you thought headroom would be troublesome, think again. There’s even a large cargo area — especially if the rear seats are folded forward in a 60:40 split or in their entirety.

Under the bonnet is an uprated and improved 96kW 1,9-litre turbodiesel motor. A couple of years ago we owned one of the previous generation Megane’s to tow an off-road race car — the Mégane never missed a beat (the race car proved a real thorn in the side!). With 300 Nm of torque available through a six-speed manual gearbox the pulling power of this new hatch is simply superb.  

A two-hour round trip to Hermanus was eagerly awaited, the on-board computer litres-per-100 km reset to zero and we were off! Clarence Drive — that gorgeous, twisty and fast road to Kleinmond didn’t disappoint. How does 5,8 litres per 100 km sound . . . that's 53 miles per gallon in “old money.”

There’s absolutely no bodyroll in this hatch, such is the R&D that’s gone into the vehicle to produce a vehicle that’s so driver friendly. Such is the outright acceleration that the large, four-wheel disc brakes had to work quite hard on occasions. Matched to a substantial array of changes applied to chassis, suspension and steering systems this new Mégane is more involving to drive than ever. 

One is completely spoiled in the creature comfort stakes: everything is power- or taken care of by computer — I mean that in the sincerest way because I’m normally not a fan of “gimmicks” but the sophisticated Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation system (standard fitment), supported by a joystick controller located in the middle of the centre console for simple fingertip control, was easy to use.

Safety is something the French are very good at building into their cars, and this new Mégane is no exception. With half-a-dozen airbags and lots more, things are as safe as safe can be.

Turbodiesel models are always going to cost a little more — the dCi version mentioned above carries a ticket price of  R257,000 — but the petrol-powered range does start at R215,000. 

Monday, February 15, 2010

Franschhoek Motor Museum time trial



Recapturing the allure and romance of a bygone era, the Franschhoek Motor Museum has unveiled plans to host the FMM Concours and Time Trial, a glamorous celebration of classic cars and the undisputed golden age of motorsport, to be held on the L’Ormarins wine farm on 27 & 28 February.
The weekend will also see the nostalgia of classic vehicles reignited with an unparalleled showcase of the globe’s greatest cars. Whether you’re partial to a vintage Porsche or more interested in the original Ford Model T, the Concours exhibition will acknowledge the feats of the world’s leading car manufacturers as never-before-seen vehicles shed their dust jackets and emerge from their private collections for a display of motoring excellence.
With various marquees and special guest appearances planned, the weekend will provide fun for the entire family and will also play host to some of the country’s legends of motorsport such as Giniel de Villiers and Sarel van der Merwe performing special runs around the circuit. More modern car fanatics will also be pleased to hear that the Museum’s recently acquired Enzo Ferrari will also be put through its paces, with four lucky spectators chosen to witness its fierce power from the passenger’s seat.
Tickets are available exclusively through Computicket and will strictly be sold in advance. For more information on the event, please visit www.fmm.co.za or call 021 874 9000 or go to http://www.fmm.co.za/HTML/EVENT/SPECTATOR/fmm-spec-about.html

Saturday, February 13, 2010

My mission statement

Six years ago — almost to the day — I wrote a short editorial introduction to a magazine I was asked to edit back then called DieselCar. That mag has gone to the wall but this blog/website that you’ve either stumbled across or hopefully searched for — is dedicated to all things diesel, ie: cars, bakkies, trucks of every size and even diesel-powered motorcycles(!) and is aimed to keep up awareness levels of the only fuel worth bothering about for the immediate future — right around the globe.

Petrol is getting harder and harder to manufacture, while fuel-cell- and hydrogen-powered vehicles in reality remain little more than a distant dream. The future is here and now — the only fuel you need concern yourself with is D-I-E-S-E-L!

The South African motoring marketplace is getting stronger every year because of diesel-powered vehicles that join the line-up and enter the fray. To sum up I’d say if you travel annually in the region of at least 30,000km so that you can start recovering those high initial purchase costs, then diesel-driven wheels are for you.

Please come back again and again to this website to gain maximum benefit from all the diesel tips, road tests and new releases that will surely appear within . . .

Dave Fall (SAGMJ)

davefall3@gmail.com

Friday, February 12, 2010

Interesting books for sale


This is a short list of books owned and up for sale. Space in a very small flat is always at a premium! Briefest of descriptions given below but please contact me for more info/thumbnail pic, etc. Please come back from time to time – have lots of time to do book scouting!

Air Raid Precaution Handbook – HMSO – 1936, 110pp. – Nice period piece advising people what to do in Great Britain in the event of anti-gas attack, plus first-aid/air raid details, illustrated. = R90+postage.

The Blackburn (Aircraft) Story, 60pp – Suit enthusiasts of this British plane maker = R60+postage.

Christie, Agatha - After the Funeral, 192pp - Nice pictorial dustjacket, believed first edition (1954). Suit Christie book collector = R100+postage.

Douglas, J. D. – The J. D. Stories, 236pp. Douglas was a columnist on the Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg. This hardback book has original dustjacket in good condition, book is in fair condition = R50+postage.

Fitzsimons, F W. – The Snakes of South Africa (T. Maskew Miller, believed first edition, 1919). – 550pp. – Rare book, this one in superb condition, profusely illustrated in black and white with large colour pull-out in front of title page = R500+postage.

Gill, L. – A First Guide to South African Birds (Maskew and Miller, first edit., 1936), 224pp. No dustjacket but book really good condition with colour plates throughout – R150+postage.

Hemingway, E – For Whom The Bell Tolls (Jonathan Cape 1945). – Dustjacket is a little tatty, book very fair = R70+postage.

Monsarrat, N – “HMS Marlborough Will Enter Harbour”, 95pp (Cassell, first edition, 1952). There are two nice copies: one with dustjacket one without . . . R95+postage and R65+postage.

Mulford, Clarence E. – 16 various “western” titles (Hodder and Stoughton, ±1933). These are hardbacks, Mulford was the creator of the Hopalong Cassidy series. All have pictorial dustjackets and are in good condition (prefer to sell as a set) = R420+postage.

Palmer, E – The Plains of Camdeboo (Collins), 320pp. Pictorial dustjacket in fair condition, book has illustrated endpapers and in excellent condition = R110+postage.

Potter, Barnett – A Fighter (Howard Timmins, first edition, 1975), 162pp. Dustjacket excellent, book in superb condition, R95+postage.

Priestley, J. B. – Particular Pleasures (Heinemann, first edition, 1975), 192pp. Dustjacket perfect, book in first class condition = R120+postage.

Route Book 1938 – Royal Automobile Club of South Africa: includes maps of the period in envelope at rear of book. Nice condition, suit motoring enthusiast with old car to have in dashboard = R100+postage.

Stuart, F. S. – Immortal Wings, 80pp – (1944) – War-time escapades as seen through the eyes of a leading air correspondent on a national British newspaper = R75+postage.

Searle, R – The Rake’s Progress, 118pp. (Perpetua, first edition). Profusely illustrated by this much-loved cartoonist. Original dustjacket, nice book = R95+postage.

Shaw, I – Mixed Company, 414pp. – (Jonathan Cape, first edition) Nice dustjacket, nice condition throughout = R95+postage.

Schulberg, B – Waterfront, 282pp (Bodley Head, first edition, 1956). Dustjacket and book both in nice condition = R120+postage.

Scutt, J. F. – The Man Who Loved The Zulus (Shuter and Shooter, first edition, 1950), 186pp – Dustjacket good, book illustrated and in very good condition = R95+postage.

Ward-Jackson, C. H. – “It’s a Piece of Cake” – RAF slang made easy. (1942) 65pp. Interesting paperback, profusely illustrated by cartoonist David Langdon = R80+postage.

Wills-Hood, D – Working For the Windsors (Alan Wingate, first edit. ±1952). Very rare hardback. Wills-Hood was the private secretary to the Duke of Windsor. Very good dustjacket, while book is in excellent condition (not a library copy) = R3,600+postage.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

My King Penguin book list


KING PENGUINS: 1939-1959

Bold type denotes books I have (if you can help complete the series of 76 books I'd be thrilled)

British Birds on Lake, River and Stream by Phyllis Barclay-Smith 1

A Book of Roses by John Ramsbottom 2

A Book of Ships by Charles Mitchell 3

Portraits of Christ by Ernst Kitzinger 4

Caricature by Ernst Hans Josef Gombrich 5

British Shells by Francis Martin Duncan 6

Fashions and Fashion Plates, 1800 - 1900 by James Laver 7

Elizabethan Miniatures by Carl Winter 8

The Microcosm of London by John Summerson 9

The Bayeux Tapestry by Eric Robert Dalrymple Maclagan 10

Fishes of Britain's Rivers and Lakes by John Roxborough. Norman 11

The Poet's Corner by Max Beerbohm 12

Edible Fungi by John Ramsbottom 13

A Book of Lilies by Fred Stoker 14

Seashore Life and Pattern by T A Stephenson 15

Children as Artists by R.R. Tomlinson 16

The Leaves of Southwell by Nikolaus Pevsner 17

Some British Moths by Norman Riley 18

Garden Birds by Phyllis Barclay-Smith 19

English Ballet by Janet Leeper 20

Popular English Art by Noel Carrington 21

Heraldry in England by Anthony Wagner 22

Poisonous Fungi by John Ramsbottom 23

Birds of the Sea by R. M. Lockley 24

Ur: The First Phases by Leonard Woolley 25

A Book of Toys by Gwendolen Mabel White 26

Flowers of Marsh and Stream by Iolo Aneurin Williams 27

A Book of English Clocks by R W Symonds 28

Flowers of the Woods by E.J. Salisbury 29

A Selection of Engravings on Wood By Thomas Bewick by John Rayner 30

English Book Illustration, 1800 - 1900 by Philip James 31

A Christmas Carol In Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas 32

Russian Icons by David Talbot Rice 33

The English Tradition in Design by John Gloag 34

A Book of Spiders by W. S. Bristowe 35

Ballooning by Charles Harvard Gibbs-Smith 36

Wild Flowers of the Chalk by John Scott Lennox Gilmour 37

Compliments of the Season by Leopold D. Ettlinger 38

Woodcuts of Albrecht Durer by Thomas Dalmahoy Barlow 39

Edward Gordon Craig: Designs for the Theatre by Janet Leeper 40

British Butterflies by E. B. Ford 41

British Military Uniforms by James Laver 42

A Prospect of Wales by Gwyn Jones 43

Tulipomania by Wilfrid Blunt 44

Unknown Westminster Abbey by Lawrence Edward Tanner 45

Highland Dress by George Francis Collie 46

A Book of Scripts by Alfred Fairbank 48

Popular Art in the United States by Erwin Ottomar Christensen 50

Life in an English Village by Edward Bawden and Noel Carrington 51

The Isle of Wight by Barbara Mildred Jones 52

Flowers of the Meadow by Geoffrey Grigson 53

Greek Terracottas by T. B. L. Webster 54

Romney Marsh by John Piper 55

Early British Railways by Christian Barman 56

A Book of Mosses by Paul Richards 57

A Book of Ducks by Phyllis Barclay-Smith 58

Ackermann's Cambridge by Reginald Ross Williamson 59

The Crown Jewels by Oliver Warner 60

An Atlas of Tudor England and Wales by E. G. R. Taylor 61

Medieval Carvings in Exeter Cathedral by C. J. P. Cave 62

A Book of Greek Coins by Charles Theodore Seltman 63

Magic Books From Mexico by C. A. Burland 64

Semi-Precious Stones by Nora Wooster 65

Birds of La Plata by W. H. Hudson 66

Mountain Birds by R. A. H. Coombes 67

Animals in Staffordshire Pottery by Bernard Rackham 68

Ackermann's Oxford by Howard Montagu Colvin 69

The Diverting History of John Gilpin by William Cowper 70

Egyptian Paintings by Nina Macpherson Davies 71

Misericords: Medieval Life in English Woodcarving by M. D. Anderson 72

The Picture of Cricket by John Arlott 73

Woodland Birds by Phyllis Barclay-Smith 74

Monumental Brasses by James Mann 75

The Sculpture of the Parthenon by P. E. Corbett 76

My "Observer" Pocket Series books


Observer Pocket Series books: Bold type denotes still to find — can you help?

1. BRITISH BIRDS; 2. BRITISH WILD FLOWERS; 3. BRITISH

BUTTERFLIES; 4. TREES & SHRUBS OF THE BRITISH ISLES;

5. BRITISH WILD ANIMALS; 6. FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE BRITISH ISLES; 7. BRITISH GRASSES, SEDGES & RUSHES; 8. DOGS;

9. HORSES AND PONIES; 10. BRITISH GEOLOGY;

11. AIRCRAFT; 12. BRITISH FERNS; 13. BRITISH ARCHITECTURE;

14. THE LARGER BRITISH MOTHS; 15. SHIPS; 16. MUSIC; 17. COMMON BRITISH INSECTS AND SPIDERS; 18. BRITISH BIRDS’ EGGS;

19. COMMON FUNGI; 20. MOSSES & LIVERWORTS; 21. AUTOMOBILES; 22. WEATHER; 23. RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES; 24. POND LIFE;

25. GARDEN FLOWERS; 26. PAINTING & GRAPHIC ART;

27. CACTI; 28. SEA FISHES; 29. FLAGS; 30. CATS.

31. SEAS & SEASHORE; 32. ASTRONOMY; 33. LICHENS;

34. MODERN ART; 35. FURNITURE; 36. OLD ENGLISH CHURCHES;

37. SCULPTURE; 38. BASIC AIRCRAFT: CIVIL; 39. BASIC AIRCRAFT:

MILITARY; 40. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES; 41. HERALDRY;

42. POSTAGE STAMPS; 43. CATHEDRALS; 44. FLOWERING TREES

& SHRUBS; 45. ZOO ANIMALS; 46. HOUSE PLANTS; 47. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL; 48. MANNED SPACEFLIGHT; 49. CRICKET; 50. LONDON;

51. POTTERY & PORCELAIN; 52. UNMANNED SPACEFLIGHT;

53. MOTOR SPORT; 54. EUROPEAN COSTUME; 55. BRITISH AWARDS

& MEDALS; 56. ANCIENT & ROMAN BRITAIN; 57. SEWING; 58. GOLF;

59. COARSE FISHING; 60. SHOWJUMPING & EVENTING;

61. MOTORCYCLES; 62. GLASS; 63. TOURIST ATLAS OF GB

& IRELAND; 64. SMALL CRAFT; 65. TROPICAL FISHES.

66. FARM ANIMALS; 67. VEGETABLES; 68. FLY FISHING; 69. COINS;

70. SEASHELLS OF THE BRITISH ISLES; 71. FOSSILS; 72. PETS;

73. THE COTSWOLDS; 74. THE LAKE DISTRICT; 75. FIREARMS;

76. JAZZ; 77. BIG BANDS; 78. CASTLES; 79. CATERPILLARS;

80. ROCKS AND MINERALS; 81. TENNIS; 82. SEA FISHING; 83. DEVON & CORNWALL; 84. ROSES; 85. HERBS; 86. COUNTRY HOUSES;

87. FOLK SONGS; 88. SILVER; 89. TANKS; 90. VICTORIANA; 91. WORLD ATLAS; 92. VINTAGE CARS; 93. CLASSIC CARS; 94. PARIS; 95. CANALS; 96. GARDENS OF ENGLAND; 97. KITCHEN ANTIQUES; 98. OPERA;

99. OBSERVER BOOKS ABOUT O.P.B’s; 100. WAYSIDE & WOODLAND.

My motorcycling books


This is a full list of my motorcycle books collected down the years as a motoring journalist:

Arctander E – The Book of Motorcycles, Trail Bikes & Scooters – Fawcett – 1965

Allen, C E – Pioneer Motorcycles – Bruce Main-Smith – Reprint

Ayton, C J – Postwar British Motor Cycles – Hamlyn – 1982

Ayton, C J – Japanese Motorcycles – Muller – 1981

Burris, Rod - Velocette - Haynes - 1982

Bacon, R - BSA Bantam 1948-71 - PRC - 1990

Bacon, R - Triumph Bonneville T120 1959-74 - PRC - 1990

Bacon, R - BSA A50/A65 Twins 1962-72 - PRC – 1990

Bacon, R – MM 20 - BMW Postwar Models 1949-69 – Niton – 1991

Bacon, R – MM 6 – AJS & Matchless Postwar Twins 1948-69 – Niton – 1989

Bacon, R – MM 1 – BSA Bantam 1948-71 – Niton – 1989

Bacon, R – MM 9 – Norton Dominator Twins 1949-70 – Niton – 1990

Bacon, R – MM 8 – Triumph T140 Bonneville & Derivatives 1973-88 – Niton – 1990

Bacon, R – MM 5 – Triumph Tiger 100 & 110 1939-61 – Niton – 1989

Bacon, R – MM 7 – BSA unit Singles 1958-73 – Niton – 1990

Bacon, R – MM 19 – Ducati V-Twins Bevel Drive models 1971-86 – Niton – 1991

Bacon, R – MM 14 – Velocette Viper, Venom & Thruxton 1956-70 – Niton – 1990

Bacon, R – Norton Twins – Osprey – 1981

Bacon, R – BMW Twins & Singles – Osprey - 1982

Bacon, R – Encyclopaedia of British Motorcycles from the 1930s – PRC – 1989

Berry, S – The Hot 100 Bikes – SevenOaks – 1998

Burgess-Wise, D – Historic Motorcycles – Hamlyn – 1973

Brown, R – Classic Motorcycles – Select Editions – 1999

Clark, Ronald H – The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles – Goose & Son – 1974

Crellin, Ralph – Japanese Riders in the Isle of Man – Amulree – 1995

Cook, R A B – Motor Cycling Sports Year Book 1958 – Temple Press – 1958

Chamberlain, P – Motor Cycling Year Book 1953 – Temple Press – 1953

Chamberlain, P – Motor Cycling Year Book 1954 – Temple Press – 1954

Clew, J – The Rest. Of Vintage and Thoroughbred Motorcycles – Haynes - 1976

Currie, B – Classic British Motor Cycles – Chancellor – 1995

Currie, B – Great British Motorcycles of the Fifties – Hamlyn – 1981

Currie, B – Motor Cycling in the 1930s – Hamlyn – 1981

Currie, B – Great British Motor cycles of the Sixties – Hamlyn – 1981

Crichton, B – You and Your Bike – Treasure Press – 1988

Cathcart, A – Dream Bikes – MacDonald Orbis - 1988

Draper, K G – The Two Stroke Engine Its Design and Tuning – Foulis – 1962

Dowds, A – Superbikes – Grange – 2003

Duke, Geoff – In Pursuit of Perfection – Osprey – 1988

Ewing/Wilson – The Adventure of the Iron Camels – Tyndale House - 1979

Fogarty, C – Foggy – Collins Winslow - 2000

Guggenheim – The Art of the Motorcycle – Gugg Museum Publications – 2001

Hume, W E - The Register of Machines - 1991

Higgins, L R - Private Owner - Foulis - 1948

Holmes, T - Classic Motorcycles - PSL - 1986

HMSO - Motor Cycle Roadcraft - 1974

Hide, Reg - Velocette 350/500 Singles - Bruce Main-Smith - 1978

Howdle, P – Best of British – PSL - 1979

Hopwood, B – Whatever Happened to the Brit. Motorcycle Industry – Haynes – 1998

Hicks, R – Classic Motorcycles – CLB – 1993

Henshaw, P – Custom Bikes – Regency House – 1994

Harper, R – BMW R69 and R69S Super Profile – Foulis – 1983

Ixion – Motor cycle Cavalcade – S R Publishers – 1971

Iliffe – Speed and How To Attain It – Iliffe & Sons – 1953

IAM – Advanced Motorcycling – Queen Anne Press – 1982

Jones, R – Taking to the Road (Motorcycling in NZ) – Random House - 2002

Kneale, P – 90 Years of TT Magic – The Manx Experience – 1998

Kneale, P/Snelling – Honda: The TT Winning Years – Amulree – 1998

Knittel, Stefan – Illustrated BMW Buyer’s Guide – Motorbooks Int. – 1990

Lurssen/Matzdorff – Motorcycling Manual for Southern Africa – David Philip – 1984

Ladd, J – The White Helmets – Haynes - 1977

Mortimer, C – Brooklands: Behind The Scenes - Haynes – 1980

McDiarmid – Triumph, The Legend – Smithmark – 1997

Morley, D – The Story of the Motorcycle –Optimum – 1993

Main-Smith, B – The Gold Star Book – BMS Publication – 1974

Main-Smith, B – The Book of the Super Bike Road Tests – BMS - 1972

MotorCycling – Sports Models Road Tests – Transport Bookman Publ. - 1971

Nicholson J B – Modern Motorcycle Mechanics – 1974

Nicks, M – Golden Oldies – PSL – 1981

Nutting, J – Superbikes of the Seventies – Hamlyn – 1978

Osborne, B – Motor Cycling Electrical Manual – Temple – 1953

Osborne, B – Velocette Motorcycles, 1925-52 – Temple Press – 1960

Preston, B – Motorcycle Maintenance – Sampson Low - 1983

Redman, J – Six Times World Champion – Veloce – 1998

Reynolds, J – Pictorial History of Norton Motorcycles – Temple - 1985

Smith, A – Smith & Son, An Expedition into Africa – Hodder & Stoughton – 1984

Shilton, N – A Million Miles To Go – Haynes – 1982

Shipman, Carl – The Boonie Book – HP Books – 1974

Setright, L J K – The Guinness book of Motorcycling – Guinness - 1982

Torrens – The Motor Cyclist’s Workshop – Iliffe – 1961

The Motor Cycle – Motor Cycles and How to Manage Them – Iliffe - 1953

Tragatsch, E – The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Motorcycles – Hamlin – 1977

Tranter, A – Motorcycle Electrical Manual – Haynes - 1979

Willoughby, V – Classic Motorcycles – Hamlyn – 1975

Willoughby, V – The Racing Motorcycle – Hamlyn - 1980

Walker, M – Classic German Racing Motorcycles – Osprey – 1991

Woollett, M – Racing Motorcycles – Hamlyn – 1973

Motorcycle instruction manuals:

Triumph Tiger Cub Workshop Instruction Manual: T15, T20, T20C, T20S

BMW R50, R50S, R60, R69S Stroke Two Series – Bound Photostats

BMW R50, R60, R69S Factory Manual (In four languages) - Factory

Harley-Davidson Panhead Service Manual – Factory - 1948-1957 Rigid

My motoring books


This is a full list of my car books collected down the years as a motoring journalist:

AA – Book Of The Car – Automobile Assoc. - 1973

AA – Guide to Used Cars – Automobile Assoc. – 1975

AA – Guide to Motor Law – Digma – 1994

AA – Drive - 1977

Adeney, M – The Motor Makers: Turb. Hist. of Britain’s Car Industry- Collins – 1998

Abbey, S – The Book of the Vauxhall Ten, 12 and Wyvern 1938-53 – Pitman – 1955

Abbey, S – The Book of the Vauxhall Ten and 12 – Pitman – 1951

Avery, D – A Century of Sports Cars – Brockhampton – 1988

Automobile Year No. 14 (1966-67)

Annual Automobile Review – 1954-55

Annual Automobile Review – 1955-56

Anderson, A – The Complete Book Of The Car – Ted Smart – 1997

Abele, R – Driving Force (70 Years of M-B Diesel Technology – Delius

Ackerson, R – Chrysler 300: America’s Most Powerful Car – Veloce – 2004

Andrews, A – The Mad Motorists – Harrap – 1964

Addison, W – The Old Roads of England – Batsford – 1980

Brown, S – Book of Cars and Trucks – Kingfisher – 1987

Boddy, W – Montlhéry – Cassell – 1961

Bacon, R – The Golden Age of British Motoring – PRC – 1996

Bowler, M – Classic Cars From Around The World – Paragon – 2001

Benson, J – Illustrated Alfa Romeo Buyer’s Guide – Motorbooks – 1983

Bacon, R – Electricity In Cars – Philips – 1967

Brooklands Books: Mercedes-Benz Cars: 1954-57

Brooklands Books: Morgan Cars: 1936-60

Brandon, R – Auto Mobile – Macmillan – 2002

Bird, A - The Veteran Motor Car Handbook – Batsford – 1963

(s)Burgess-Wise, D – (signed) Car Facts and Figures – Guinness – 1994

Burgess, P – The Which? Car Owner’s Manual – Which? – 1994

Classic Car Profiles: 1-24 – Profile Publications - 1966

Classic Car Profiles: 25-60 – Profile Publications - 1967

Chambers, P – British Cars of 1949 – PC – 1949

Clark, A – Back Fire: A Passion for Cars and Motoring – Phoenix – 2002

Clarkson, J – Clarkson on Cars – Penguin – 1996

Clarkson, J – The World According to Clarkson Vol. 2 – Penguin – 2006

Clarkson, J - Don’t Stop Me Now – Penguin – 2007

Clarkson, J – Hot 100 Cars That Make You Go Phwoar! – Virgin - 1997

Clarkson, J – Motorworld – BBC - 1996

Chambers, C – Making Money From Collectable Cars – Marque – 1988

Cheetham, C – Vintage Cars (The Finest Prewar Automobiles) – MotorBooks – 2004

Cheetham, C – British Cars (From 1910 to the Present Day) – Amber – 2007

Chapman, G – Cars That Time Forgot – Parragon – 1998

Chapman, G – The Illust. Encycl. Of Extraordinary Automobiles – DK - 2009

Cain, T – Building the Beam Engine (Mary) – Argus Books – 1981

Camm, F – The Practical Motorist’s Encyclopaedia –Newnes

Classic British Cars – Abbeydale Press - 2004

Davis, T – Naff Motors: 101 Automotive Lemons – Century – 2006

Du Cros, A – Wheels of Fortune – Chapman & Hall – 1938

Dymock, E – The Land Rover File: All models since 1947 – Dove – 2006

Delorean, J – Delorean – Zondervan – 1985

Drackett, P – Motor Rallying – Foyles Handbooks – 1963

Edwardes, M – Back From The Brink – Collins – 1983

Ellacott, S – Wheels on the Road - Methuen – 1959

Faith, N – Crash: The Limits of Car Safety – Boxtree – 1997

Financial Times – Japan: Miracle ’70 – Longman – 1970

Frostick, M – BMW (The Bavarian Motor Works) – MotorBooks – 1975

Frostick, M/A. Harding – The Motorist’s Weekend Book – Batsford - 1960

Fordham, J – The Reluctant Motor Mechanic – Sphere – 1983

Fletcher, R – MG: Past & Present – Foulis/Haynes – 1985

Francis B – The Car Duffer’s Guide – AA – 1984

Fisk, N – Look at Cars – Hamish Hamilton – 1959

Granatelli, A – They Call Me Mister 500 – Regnery – 1969

Georgano, G – The Complete Encycl. of Motor Cars (1885-1968) – Ebury – 1969

Georgano, G – A History of Sports Cars – Spring Books - 1970

Gardner, F – Racing Drivers’ Manual (Castrol) – PSL – 1973

Golding, R – Mini: 30 Years On – Osprey – 1989

Gillbe, P – Police Camera Action! – Ebury – 1996

Honest John – How to Buy & Sell Cars – Daily Telegraph/Robinson – 1999

Honest John – Book of Motoring Answers – Daily Telegraph/Robinson - 1998

Honest John – Book of Motoring Answers – Daily Telegraph/Robinson - 1999

Stanley, J – 1997 Classic Car Year Book – John Stanely - Osprey – 1996

Hilton, C – Murray Walker: The Very Last Word – Haynes – 2002

Honda’s Origin – Top Talks (With CD) – 2006

HMSO – Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Manual – 1968

Hingston, P – Buying A Used Sports Car – 1978

Hunger, A – Porsche Chronicle 1931-2006 – Piper – 2006

Heimann, J – 70s Cars – Taschen – 2006

Hammond, R – What Not To Drive – Weidenfeld & Nicolson – 2005

Hammond, R – Car Confidential – Weidenfeld & Nicolson - 2006

Henshaw, P – Sports Cars – Crestline – 2004

Holmes, T – Encyclopaedia of British Cars – Bison – 1995

Haselau, G – Driving Your 4 x 4 – Struik – 2002

Hill, K – The Four-Wheeled Morgan: Vol. I – Motor Racing Pub. – 1977

Heilig, J – Detroit Dream Cars – MBI – 2001

Hicks, R – Classic Cars – Colour Library Direct

Harvey, C – Morgan: The Last Survivor – The Oxford Illus. Press – 1987

Harding, A – The Book Of The Car – Guinness – 1987

Hull, P – Alfa Romeo – Cassell – 1964

Hazleton, L – Confessions of a Fast Woman – Flamingo – 1993

Iacocca. L – Iacocca (An Autobiography) – Sidgewick & Jackson – 1985

Jenkinson, D – The Racing Car Pocket Book – Batsford – 1962

Jenkinson, D – “Motor Sport” Racing Car Review 1949 – Grenville - 1949

Judge, A – Automobile Engines – Chapman Hall – 1961

Johnston, B – The Motorist’s Paradise – 2007

Jacques, R – The Auto Expert (Tuning) – Gunson – 1987

Jacques, R – The Auto Expert (Ignition System) – Gunson – 1987

Kaye, D – Buses and Trolleybuses (Before 1919) – Blandford – 1972

Kehm, S – Michael Schumacher Driving Force – Ebury – 2003

Langworth, R – Great American Automobiles of the 50s – Foulis – 1989

Lord Montagu – The Brighton Run (Shire Album 251)

Lord Montagu – The British Motorist – Macdonald Queen Anne Press – 1987

Leasor, J – They Don’t Make Them Like That Any More – Corgi – 1969

Marshall, J – Ollie’s Kookie Cars: 1827-1926 - Collins – 1979

McLeavy, R – Hovercraft and Hydrofoils – Blandford – 1976

Morris, L – The Country Garage (Shire Album 129)

Mantle, J – Car Wars – Arcade – 1996

May, J – May on Motors – Virgin – 2006

Mansell, N – Driven to Win – Arrow Books -1989

Mills, W – Down the Grid – Ian Allan – 1965

Martin, R – Plastic Car Body Design & Construction for the Amateur

McDonald, D – Fifty Years With The Speed Kings – Stanley Paul – 1961

Nockolds, H – The Magic of A Name – Foulis – 1945

Olney, R – Great Moments In Speed – Prentice-Hall – 1970

Purdy, K – The Knights of the Road – Arrow – 1957

Pasi, A – Beetle Mania – Thomas Dunne – 2000

Practical Classics & Car Restorer: Morgan Buying & Restoration

Robson, G – Motoring In The 30s – PSL – 1979

Robson, G – The Illus. Directory of Classic Cars – Greenwich - 2004

Robson, J – All-Purpose Diesels – Pitman – 1951

Rock, M – The Automobile and the Environment – Chelsea House – 1992

Sumner, P – Motor Cars: up to 1930 – HMSO/Science Museum – 1969

Scott-Moncrieff, D – Veteran and Edwardian Motor Cars – Batsford – 1961

Stanford, J – The Sports Car: Development and Design – Batsford – 1962

Seale, J – Car Service Data – Hamlyn – 1972

Scheel, J – Cars of the World (4 Vols) (2 Sets) – Mobil – 1963

Stenquist, P – Guide to Car Care (Pop. Mechanics) – Hearst – 1985

Simister, J – Legendary Car Engines – MotorBooks – 2004

Schnetler, F – A Century Of Cars – Tafelberg – 1997

St. Pierre White, A – The Complete Guide To Four-Wheel Drive – IMP – 2007

Sanders, S – Honda: The Man And His Machines – Little Brown – 1975

Slay, R – Haps Mishaps & Fun – MRM – 1993

Slade, T – Classic Cars: Celebrating The Legends – Igloo – 2006

Steyn, R – The Automobile Book – Hamlyn – 1961

Setright, L J K – The Designers – Weidenfeld & Nicolson – 1976

Setright, L J K – Drive On! – Granta Books – 2003

Setright, L J K – Mercedes-Benz Roadsters – Osprey - 1979

Stanley, J – 1997 Classic Car Year Book - Osprey – 1996

Sedgwick, M – Early Cars – Octopus – 1962

Turner, P – Caution! Used Cars – Signet – 1994

Tibballs, G – Motor-Racing’s Strangest Races – Robson Books – 2001

Thelwell, N – Belt Up (Motoring Manual) – Eyre Methuen – 1974

Teague, J – Morgan Plus 4 (Super Profile) – Foulis – 1987

Von Kleug, E – Toyota Cressida Service Manual (1986-1992) – 1995

Willson, Q – Cars: A Celebration – DK – 2001

Williams, R – Enzo Ferrari – Yellow Jersey Press – 2001

Wallis, S – Motor Manual: 1001 Hints – Keith Winser – 1953

Walker, M – Unless I’m Very Much Mistaken – Collins – 2002

Wood, J – Concept Cars – Parragon – 1997

Wallage, P – The Restoration of Post-War Cars – Batsford – 1979

Wootton, F – How to Draw Cars – The Studio Publications – 1955

Workshop manuals:

Jaguar Service Manual – Factory-type - XK120 and Mark VII Models

MG Midget (Series TD) – Factory-type – 1950

MG Series – TC, TD, TF, TF1500, MGA, MGA 1600, MGB

MG Midget 1961-1963 / Austin Healey Sprite 1959-1963 Illus. Parts Catalogue

VW Transporter – Factory-type – 1968-71 – Autopress

VW Transport – Type 2: 1,7/1,8 and 2,0 litre – Peter Russek

Chiltons Foreign Car Repair Manual: French, British, Japanese Cars (Volume 2)

Ford Anglia – Factory manual – 1959-1967 – Haynes

Ford Cortina Mark III – 1970-72 – Autopress

Mobil Service Data – 7 Series

Mobil Service Data – 8 Series

Mobil Service Data – 9 Series

Motor’s Foreign Repair Manual – German and Swedish Edit.

Motor’s Foreign Repair Manual – English and Italian Edit.

Mazda 323 GLC, SL and SLX – 1981-1986 models – 1995

Kit Car Builder’s Manual – Haynes – 1990

Thoroughbred & Classic Car – Guide to Bodywork Restoration – Temple – 1985

Book of the Morgan – Anzani/Blackburne/JAP/Matchless/Ford

Morgan Spares - +4 - 1950-68

Workshop practice:

Somta Drills, Reamers and Taps – User’s Guide

Zeus Data Charts

Drills: Their Care And Maintenance

Sharpening Small Tools

Micrometers, Slide Gauges and Calipers

Automobile Workshop Practice – Pitman

Field Engineering – Tanganyika Territory

Mechanical Engineering 1: Hand Tools – Teach Yourself Books

Car Tyres, Service and Maintenance, 1996

An Introduction to Panelbeating – Sykes Pickavant

The Mounting And Maintenance of SKF Bearings

The New Glassfibre Book – Map Technical Publication

How Things Work (Vols. I and II) (Two sets)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Power and charm of Peugeot


Peugeot have spotted a gap in the burgeoning ‘crossover’ market and respectfully suggest their 3008 model really ought to be high on your shopping list, reckons DAVE FALL. In five short months international accolades have come their way already with the 3008, including “MPV of the Year in Portugal” and “Family Vehicle of the Year in Belgium”.

Group together all the good points found in a SUV (sports utility vehicle) with those from a MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) while adding a dash from both a hatchback and a sedan and you get a “crossover” vehicle: a mode of transport that’s fast gaining popularity across the globe. Thus the new Peugeot 3008 cleverly combines all of the above into rather a clever mode of transport. There are seven models to be found but with just two types of powerplant under the bonnet: a lively 1,6-litre petrol (115kW/240Nm) and a brilliant 2,0 turbodiesel (110kW/340Nm) both mated to a manual five- or six speed ’box.

Peugeot chose to take a bunch of motoring hacks to Namibia for the launch — a country renowned for its heavily rutted dirt roads to put the vehicle through its paces. Still, we needn’t have worried because Peugeot know a thing or two about what constitutes great suspension characteristics and smoothed out all but the very worst.

Get behind the wheel of this crossover vehicle and it’s a great place to be because just about every creature comfort can be found within. The French have a happy knack when it comes to innovative ideas and the 3008 won’t disappoint with neat touches such as their head-up display (a small, clear panel above the dash that works like an autocue giving a constant read-out of speed and cruise-control settings).

For me, though, the smartest device that’s standard on some models — or available as a R2,000 optional extra — is called Grip Control. It’s an electronic, dial-in device with five settings to optimise variable traction settings through the front driving wheels, ie: standard, snow(!), all-terrain, sand and ESP off. Certainly not a gimmick, this more than once was put to good use on some of the more treacherous dirt roads to be found in Namibia and of course right here in South Africa.

The cargo area has been cleverly thought out and boasts huge storage potential simply by moving panels and covers around in a modular sort of way. For even more space you just fold down the rear seats and Peugeot claim there’s more room than that found in most “dedicated” station wagons.

There are four petrol models and three turbodiesel models of 3008 in the range with prices starting at R248,500 for petrol and R302,100 for the Premium 2,0 HDi derivatives. Safety levels are superb and include half a dozen airbags, ABS brakes and most active and passive levels known to this classy French car manufacturer.

All the usual warranties apply, and with servicing intervals of 20,000km for the petrol and 30,000km for the oil-burners the crossover Peugeot 3008 really does deserve your consideration if you are in the market for a vehicle of this type.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Diesel car prices in South Africa

Prices correct First Quarter 2010. There are more than 450 diesel-powered vehicles listed below — be sure to check at your nearest dealer for the very latest though, special offers, etc.

ALFA ROMEO

147 1,9 JTD Multijet Dist 5-dr R282,750

159 2,4 JTDm Q-Tronic R396,000

GT 1,9 JTD MultiJet from R335,700

AUDI

A3 Sportback 1,9 TDI Attraction from R257,000

A4 2,0 Attraction from R322,000

A5 Cabrio 3,0 TDI Quattro S-tronic from R581,000

A6 2,7 TDI Multritronic from R472,500

A8 3,0 TDI Quattro Tiptronic R809,000

Q5 2,0 TDI Quattro from R411,780

Q7 3,0 TDI Quattro Tiptronic from R628,000

BMW

120d 5-dr from R302,500

320d from R355,500

520d Steptronic from R432,000

730d A/T R928,000

X1 sDrive 20d from R365,500

X3 xDrive 20d from R419,500

X5 xDrive 30d from R641,000

CADILLAC

BLS 1,9D R306,128

Captiva 2,0 VCDi LTZ R393,080

CHRYSLER

Grand Voyager 2,8 CRD LX A/T from R389,900

CITROËN

Berlingo 1,9D panel van R139,995

C3 1,4 HDi R148,500

C4 1,6 HDi R205,000

C5 2,0 HDi A/T R344,995

DODGE

Caliber 2,0 CRD SXT R267,900

Journey 2,0 CRD R/T A/T R387,900

FIAT

Bravo 1,9 MultiJet Dynamic R264,700

Ducato panel van from R299,900

Multipla 1,9 MultiJet Dynamic R273,400

Scudo R396,900

FORD

Bantam 1,4 TDCi from R141,250

Ikon 1,4 TDCi Trend R168,910

Fiesta 1,6 TDCi Ambiente 5-dr R197,370

Focus 2,0 TDCi Si 5-dr from R260,400

Ranger single cab 2,5D LWM Base 4 x 2 from R177,220

Ranger super cab 2,5TD Base 4 x 2 Hi Trail from R224,700

Ranger double cab 2,5TD Base 4 x 2 Hi Trail from R238,200

Everest 3,0 TDCi 4 x 2 XLT from R331,490

GONOW

X-Space 2,8 TDS from R129,990

GWM

2,8 TDi Lux from R129,990

Hover 2,5 TCi = POA

Steed from R176,990

HONDA

Accord 2,2 i-DTEC from R363,900

Civic 2,2 i-CTD VX Hatch R289,900

CR-V 2,2 i-DTEC Executive man. From R421,900

HYUNDAI

Getz 1,5 CRDi HS R162,900

Sante Fe CRDi 4 x 2 5-seat from R374,900

Tucson 2,0 CRDi A/T R299,900

ISUZU

KB250 R180,747

JAGUAR

XF 3,0D Luxury A/T from R597,000

XJ 3,0 V6 Diesel Premium from R920,000

JEEP

Cherokee Ltd 2,8 CRD from R369,900

Commander 3,0 CRD Sport A/T R499,900

Compass 2,0 CRD Ltd R319,900

Grand Cherokee CRD Laredo A/T from R489,900

Patriot 2,0 CRD Ltd R294,900

Wrangler CRD Sahara A/T from R354,900

KIA

K2700 Workhorse R158,995

Sedona 2,9 CRDi from R373,995

Sorento 2,2 4 x 2 from R339,995

Sportage 2,0 A/T from R292,995

LAND ROVER

Defender 110 Puma pick up from R331,500

Discovery4 3,0 V6 TD S from R595,000

Freelander 2,2D S A/T from R390,500

MAHINDRA

Bolero NEF Loader from R116,500

Scorpio Pik-Up 2,5 NEF TCi from R157,900

Xylo E2 8-seat from R164,900

MAZDA

BT-50 2500 single cab TDi SLX 4 x 2 from R245,280

BT-50 3000 single cab CRDi Drifter SLX 4 x 2 R268,480

BT-50 2500 freestyle cab TDi SLX 4 x 2 from R262,370

BT-50 3000 freestyle cab CRDi Drifter SLX 4 x 2 R296,610

BT-50 2500 double cab TDi SLE 4 x 2 R308,880

BT-50 3000 double cab CRDi SLE 4 x 2 from R333,500

MERCEDES-BENZ

A180 CDi R270,000

B200 CDi R344,000

C220 CDi Blue Efficiency R387,000

C350 CDi R482,000

E250 CDi Blue Efficiency R517,000

E350 CDi R632,000

S350 CDi Blue Efficiency R988,000

R350 CDi R687,000

ML350 CDi R688,000

GL350 CDi R877,000

Vito 115 CDi from R269,400

Vito 120 CDi from R456,400

Sprinter CDi from R279,500

MITSUBISHI

Pajero from R508,000

Pajero Sport R426,700

Triton 2,5 from R266,000

NISSAN

NP300 2,5 TDI LWB from R173,900

Micra 1,5 dCi Tekna 3-dr from R174,500

Navara 2,5 dCi King Cab XE 4 x 2 from R279,900

NP200 1,5 dCi S from R143,600

Pathfinder 2,5 DCi LE from R484,900

Patrol 3,0 TDi GL R585,500

Primastar 1,9 dCi Minibus R329,000

Qashqai 2,0 dCi Acenta 4 x 2 from R301,000

X-Trail 2,0 dCi 4 x 2 XE from R288,300

OPEL

Corsa Utility 1,7 DTI from R148,370

Vivaro 1,9 CDTi R245,010

PEUGEOT

207 1,6 HDI Dynamic 5-dr R215,000

308 HDI XS R246,500

Partner 1,6 HDI R168,200

3008 2,0 HDI from R302,100

PORSCHE

Cayenne diesel Tiptronic R650,000

RANGE ROVER

TDV8 3,6 Diesel R1,187,000

Sport 3,6 TDV8 R934,500

RENAULT

Kangoo 1,5 dCi Express van R155,000

Koleos 2,0 dCi Dynamique Premium 4 x 4 R386,000

Megane 1,9 dCi Dynamique 5-dr R257,000

Scenic 1,9 dCi Dynamique from R280,000

SSANGYONG

Actyon 4 x 2 from R249,995

Kyron Xdi 4 x 2 R279,995

Rexton II 270 Xdi A/T R439,995

Stavic SV270 XDi from R299,995

TATA

Telcoline 2,0 TD 4 x 2 R111,900

Indigo 1,4 Tdi SW DLX R134,495

Safari 2,2 TD GLS 4 x 2 from R226,995

Xenon 3,0 from R145,950

TOYOTA

Auris 2,0 D-4D RS from R258,900

Corolla 2,0 D-4D Advanced from R245,900

Fortuner 3,0 D-4D R-B 4 x 2 from R352,300

Hilux SC 2,5 D-4D from R185,300

Land Cruiser Prado 3,0 VX Diesel A/T R637,900

Land Cruiser 200 V8 VX TD R917,100

Quantum 2,5 D-4D SWB Van from R261,900

Rav 2,2 D-4D GX 5-dr from R378,200

Verso 2,0D TX R296,200

VOLKSWAGEN

Caddy 1,9 TDI Life from R243,800

CC 2,0 TDI DSG R349,000

CrossPolo 1,9 TDI R232,400

Golf 1,6 TDI Comfortline from R260,400

Jetta 1,9 TDI Comfortline from R255,500

Passat 2,0 TDI Comfortline from R283,000

New Polo 1,6 TDI 5-dr R209,900

T5: Crew Bus/Pvan/Transp/

Kombi/Caravelle/Beach from R196,842

Tiguan 2,0 TDI Sport&Style 4Mtn from R370,000

Touareg 2,5 R5 TDI Tiptronic from R548,500

Touran 1,9 TDI Trendline DSG from R295,500

VOLVO

S40 2,0D from R293,800

V50 2,0D from R298,800

S80 D5 Geartronic R461,800

XC60 2,4D FWD Man. From R415,000

XC70 D5 Geartronic from R487,500

XC90 D5 5-seat Geartronic from R568,900

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Function and form from Ford


Ford’s new seven-seater called Everest to be found in the SA marketplace supercedes the full Australian import Territory vehicle. While sales were steady for the Territory, the Everest really doesn’t have a “mountain to climb” because it’s a known quantity thanks to being largely based on the highly successful Ford Ranger bakkie.

Three models of Everest are available ex stock — two right now — the 4 x 2 version is expected any day soon. Under the bonnet — common to all three derivatives — is a 3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel unit of 2,953cc that develops 115kW and 380kW of stump-pulling torque.

I’ve traversed a lot of the Western Cape of late — certainly around Cape Town and its environs, anyway, for about a month now and remember being totally impressed with the Everest. True, I haven’t tackled much in the way of harsh 4 x 4 stuff (I prefer to leave that to the experts), but with superb ground clearances, a limited slip diff, high-trail suspension and electronic shift-on-the-fly transmission, can well believe that this vehicle can go just about anywhere.

Comfort features are particularly strong — all the usuals are there such as power steering, windows, air-conditioning, etc. but for me it was pleasing to note that rear-seated passengers all five(!) of them can adjust their individual air conditioning to their heart’s content.

Practicality again remains strong — the cargo area with the rear-most row of seats in place is better than reasonable — but fold them up, a really easy thing to do, and the Everest really is capacious. That third row of seats is not just for kiddies . . . there’s leg-room for growing teenagers who probably wouldn’t “run a mile” if a trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, for instance, was considered.

Safety levels in the Everest are superb. There’s four airbags (crash-bags as a colleague never fails to remind me), ABS braking and EBD. Factor in remote central locking, alarm and an immobiliser and the vehicle will always remain exactly where you left it after a night out at your favourite restaurant.

Value for money is the name of the game these days. Without mentioning comparison vehicles, the Ford Everest retails R30,000 less than a Toyota Fortuner for much the same vehicle — give or take — that’s a big pile of money if stacked up on a table . . .

Warranty and price: Ford Everest prices start at R324,990. Service intervals are set every 10,000km; there’s a five-year/90,000km service plan, roadside assistance and a comprehensive warranty for four years/120,000km. Rusting is largely a thing of the past in vehicle manufacture these days, but it’s good to know that Ford offer a five-year/unlimited kilometres offer in this direction.

Nissan NP200's Haul of fame


The Nissan NP200 range was enlarged late last year with the addition of a real, economical workhorse: the 1,5 dCi version. There are two turbodiesel models to choose from — with prices starting at R143,600, writes DAVE FALL.

Five models make up the current range of half-ton bakkies with the slightly peculiar nomenclature of NP200. Having lived in Pietermaritzburg for more than 30 years I seem to have a close-up and personal affinity with them! Three are petrol-powered, the balance turbo-diesel . . . having sampled the top spec 1,5dCi for a few days now, I’m really impressed with its build quality, looks and carrying capacity.

It’s amazing really — I stay in a block of flats and without fail when a bakkie comes my way for scribbling about someone is in dire need of a fridge to be transported for repair, or furniture to be shifted. Sure enough, that has just happened — and I’m too pleased to oblige. Under the bonnet is one of the quietest turbodiesel units I’ve come across of late, one that develops 63kW and 200Nm of torque — perfect for shifting gear!

Forget bakkies of old . . . the only concession to a creature comfort was possibly the bakelite ashtray stuck on the dash with a rubber sucker — the NP200 offers car-like quality, dare I say a luxury one at that. Economy appears to be superb — I’ve travelled 305 kilometres already and the digital fuel gauge hasn’t even moved!

Power steering, electric windows, remote-controlled wing mirrors, central locking and air-conditioning can all be found within. There’s posh carpeting, cubbyholes and plenty of room behind the seats to carry that weekend bag — quite safely hidden from prying eyes.

It’s hardly surprising these days that so many people buy half-ton and bigger bakkies over a car . . . they are such adaptable things. The loadbin fitted to this particular one has internal and external lashing points — a large motorcycle could be carried diagonally if need be — and with the tailgate closed properly, I reckon.

There’s lots of safety built into most bakkies these days and the NP200 is no exception to that rule — twin airbags, crumple zones and ABS brakes, for starters. (There’s also a really substantial rollbar that attaches to the floor of the bin and to high-up lugs on the cab just in case you should stick it on its roof.)

Personally, I wouldn’t bother buying a tin box (sedan). I’d rather go for something like this — especially as prices start from as low as R103,100. The top-of-the-range diesel derivative does cost considerably more at R174,000, I know, but there’s a cheaper specced version that has a ticket price of R143,600.

Full warranties apply to new vehicle ownership, and interestingly, servicing is only required at 15,000km intervals — diesel or petrol.