Figo's Amazing Rally

The third and final leg of Ford’s cross country Eco Driving Challenge wrapped up in Cape Town this last weekend, and as in leg one of the competition, Ford South Africa’s Facebook fans once again beat off stiff competition from the likes of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines to reach the top spot.

Three groups of six participants each competed in the Ford Figo TDCi Amazing Rally which kicked off with the first group driving from Johannesburg to Durban on a single tank of diesel.  The second group drove from Durban to East London, with the final leg starting in Port Elizabeth and ending in Cape Town.

The participants were journalists from across the country whom competed against representatives from Ford’s Facebook fan community over three days of grueling driving in the zippy Figo, the runner up in this year’s Car of the Year competition. The Figo 1.4 TDCi – easily the most affordable diesel passenger car in South Africa, achieved an average fuel consumption of 4.7l/100km, as demonstrated in the 2010 Total Economy Run.

However, Ford’s Facebook fans demonstrated what the Figo TDCi is really made of, beating the standard set by professional drivers over the same course and achieving a very impressive fuel consumption of 4.58l/100km.

All three legs of the Rally were incredibly competitive. Some found innovative ways to clear traffic jams by giving away their snacks to the cars lined up in front of their Figo in exchange for being allowed to skip the queue.

Others found ways to distract their competition, sharing false co-ordinates on their new Nokia phones that, if followed, would have taken their competitors into the middle of the ocean! Throughout the three day of fierce competition however, friendships were formed and much fun was had by all.

The ultimate winners, Facebook fans Crystle-Lynne Moore and her brother Bryce will now be joining Ford’s team in the 2011 Total Economy Run later this year, where they will truly be able to put their skills to the test against professional drivers…and if we were the latter, we’d be scared!

Peugeot’s master blaster

There’s lots of good reasons to consider a Peugeot because they really do offer something a little extra for your money: panache!

With cars all being designed on a computer these days is it little wonder they all seem to look the same? Gladly, Peugeot see things differently, their 308 range consisting nine very different models a case in point.  There are seven petrol-powered offerings but even more to the point two very, very good turbodiesel derivatives to be found among the mix.

Earlier this month I was asked to evaluate one of them, the five-door, 100 kW/320 Nm, 2,0-litre, 308 turbodiesel hatchback, that sells for well below the R300K mark. Under the bonnet is to be found arguably one of the best diesel motors around — certainly one that’s the quietest as well.  The R&D department at PSA headquarters back in France certainly know a thing or two about advanced diesel technology …

The four-cylinder motor pulls like an express train, no turbo lag revealed itself at sea level, for the record I’d say a 0-100 km/h time can be achieved in around nine seconds — it’s that quick.

Full leather upholstery with comfortable bucket seats make the 308 a good place to be — factor in every luxury available as standard fitment, including a full-length, but non-opening sunroof. The glass used is strengthened and tinted, filtering out 90% of the harmful rays we experience here in South Africa.

Hatchbacks by their very nature are so adaptable, little wonder then that they are a popular choice of body style when the SA motorist looks for wheels. Naturally the rear seats fold down to give increased luggage space in a 60:40 configuration, there’s lots of cup holders too …

Peugeot might well have invented the safety car for all I know — the 308 is loaded with life-saving gear including multiple airbags up front and side curtain ones as well. Factor in ABS and EBA … there’s a full-sized spare wheel to be found in the boot — none of that run-flat technology junk with a Peugeot!

Considering all the safety, technology and modern looks to be found in this particular 308, the ticket price of R270 710 represents fair value for money.

All Peugeot owners are assured peace of mind with ownership, and as such offer a 5-year/90 000 km service plan; a 3-year factory warranty in addition to the 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. All vehicles first registered in South Africa and purchased from a Peugeot Dealer benefit from a free additional 2 years of warranty (this additional warranty carries a mileage limit of 100 000 km.)

Born to be styled

Never a brand to rest on its laurels, Honda revealed an upgraded Accord model range at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Honda South Africa recently introduced those updated versions of the highly regarded Accord sedan and tourer models — a range that retains most of the key ingredients responsible for the Accord’s success in SA, but adds several new features and improvements to offer an even more competitive package than before.

“The Accord has become a firm favourite among discerning motorists since we introduced the current model almost exactly three years ago,” says Graham Eagle, director of sales and marketing at Honda SA.

“The Accord enjoys a revered reputation for build quality, technological innovation and keen dynamics, while also scoring high marks on the efficiency and safety fronts – all of which have earned it market-leading status in its segment.

“We are proud to announce that this refreshed, 2011 Accord line-up is now available in SA,” Eagle confirms. “This latest version builds on the car’s existing virtues, but ups the ante in several important respects.

He adds that enhanced efficiency has been a consistent theme applied throughout the upgrade package, which has benefited aspects such as fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions.

“But the new model also looks fresher, rides better and continues to build on an extensive active safety package. We’re particularly proud of the high output version of the 2,2-litre i-DTEC engine, which gets a substantial power boost, while retaining its trademark sophistication,” Eagle concluded.

This engine is introduced on the six- speed manual transmission models, with the automatic transmission derivatives retaining a revised version of the 110 kW engine.

The 2011 Honda Accord features a significant package of improvements. They include updates to the exterior styling, the suspension, and the power output of the 2,2-litre i-DTEC engine.

In addition, the standard features list has been augmented while a new derivative, the 2.4 Exclusive featuring a package of advanced driver assistance systems has been added to the range. Honda has also adapted the nomenclature of the range.

While the clean-cut silhouette and aerodynamic shape of the Honda Accord have been retained, the updated version features several important changes. Both the sedan and tourer versions benefit from small but noticeable changes to the headlights and bumpers.

The headlights feature cleaner aesthetics, including the use of clear-lensed indicators, instead of the previous amber versions. Top-spec models get bi-Xenon headlights with Active Cornering Lights and High Beam Support System to improve night-time visibility.

The subtly enhanced rear of the Accord sedan features reversing light and indicators with the same red finish as the fog light for a more symmetrical look. The visual upgrade is rounded off with a light chrome finish above the rear licence plate. Buyers also get to choose from three new colours - Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl.

The exterior styling changes have been complemented by a number of subtle changes to the interior to enhance the ambience of the cabin. Updates include new dark silver interior panels, with the door handles and handbrake finished in bright silver. In addition, the stitching on the black leather seat trim has been changed from black to grey.

Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) – which is available on the new 2.4 Exclusive models, comprises three separate technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

• Prices start from R303 000 to R386 700 — each!

Why not celebrate at the Rust de Winter 4 x 4 Trail!

Toyota has invited all Land Cruiser owners to be part of these celebrations taking place on the weekend of 29 April to 2 May 2011 on the banks of the Elands River – and they will stand a chance to win some handsome prizes as well!


This year’s Toyota Rust de Winter jamboree, the 32^nd consecutive year that this event will be held, is indeed special as this popular 4x4 gathering will be dedicated to the celebration of 60 years of the iconic Land Cruiser brand.
 
The Rust de Winter Land Cruiser competition will take place on Saturday, 30 April, and owners stand a chance to win cash prizes in the following three categories:

• The Oldest Running Land Cruiser – (oldest at Rust de Winter by age)
• The Oldest Original Land Cruiser – (oldest without any conversions, accessories or extras)
• Best Kitted-out Land Cruiser – (the best accessorised as per the judge’s discretion)

 Dirk van Wyk, spokesperson for the organisers, the ATV Club, says that a lot of entertainment has been planned for spectators and competitors, such as a special gymkhana on Saturday 30 April.
 
“The gymkhana consists of varied obstacles on a course, which have been designed to pose a challenge for drivers and co-drivers. It is a fun-filled event and promises to be high in spectator value as the various competitors compete against each other,” says Van Wyk. Competitors will also be tested on the long and challenging mountain-route, scheduled for Sunday 1 May.


To enter, owners can complete the competition entry form available online at www.toyota.co.za or pick up an entry form at Rust de Winter. Entrants must register by 10 am on Saturday, 30 April and judging will take place from 10 am to 11 am. The winners will be announced at 12 pm and each category winner will receive R3 500 in cash. Rules for the competition are available on the Toyota website.
 
The Toyota Rust de Winter jamboree has evolved over the years into a fun-filled family weekend with challenging events for both 4x4 and 4x2 enthusiasts. The routes through the ATV Organisation’s 22ha site has seen various updates and changes to ensure that all competitors start on equal footing and as always there will be a wide array of activities for the participants.
 
Children will again, in true Toyota Rust de Winter tradition and again with the generous sponsorship of Continental SA, be well catered for by the various activities at the dedicated children play-area, while live entertainment are on the menu for mom and dad at the end of each day’s challenges.
 
Rust de Winter is situated approximately 25 km east of Pienaarsrivier, when driving on the N1 to Polokwane.

Top fuel saving tips in our tough times

1. Get it Checked: Modern car engines are complicated pieces of machinery which rely on a vast array of electronic components that can easily fail. To ensure maximum efficiency from your engine, have your car serviced regularly by a recognised garage. The money spent can make you savings in the long term.

2. 'Tread Carefully’: Ensure that your tyres are always inflated to the correct pressure. Tyres which are under inflated by even a small amount can increase fuel consumption noticeably. Check them at least once per month, try to check pressures when the tyres are warm after a short drive as ‘cold’ tyres give a false low pressure reading.

3. Lose Weight: Never carry unnecessary weight in the car as it will reduce efficiency. Golf clubs, push chairs, tool boxes etc can 'weigh down' a car so remove them when they are not needed. Also remove roof racks, cycle racks, storage boxes etc when they are not being used as they affect the aerodynamics of the car.

4. Hot & Cold: Do not waste fuel by warming the car before a journey. However a warm engine is more efficient than a cold one so try to carry out all your trips in succession so that the engine does not get cold between stops.

5. Plan Ahead: Take a little time to plan your journeys to avoid congestion, to ensure you take the best route and that you know exactly where you are going. An unplanned detour because you are lost can be a very costly error in terms of wasted fuel. Plan you day's trips so that you avoid unnecessary duplication of the same journey.

6. Slow Down: By reducing your average speed by just a few KM/H can have noticeable effect on your fuel consumption and your wallet. Driving at 112 KM/H uses 9% more fuel than driving at 95 KM/H. Cruising at 125 KM/H (a recent suggestion to raise the motorway limit) uses a staggering 25% more fuel than driving at 112 KM/H.

7. Nice and Easy does it: Most drivers could save a significant amount of fuel by simply reading the road further ahead and slowing earlier for traffic lights and other hazards thus avoiding unnecessary acceleration, heavy braking and then acceleration while pulling away again.  Carrying out these manoeuvres in a steady more controlled way will not add to your journey time but will reduce your fuel bill.

Driving more 'gently' avoiding harsh acceleration and using the gearbox to gain a higher gear more quickly could possibly be the best fuel efficient tip. Where possible change up before reaching 2,500 rpm (petrol) 2,000 rpm (diesel). If you are in a long hold up and you are stationary for more than a couple of minutes switch your engine off to save fuel. Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they are re-started without pressing the accelerator.

Most newer cars have an indicator showing fuel consumption, normally expressed in kilometres per 100 which is constantly monitoring your driving efficiency. Make a greater effort to improve this figure on every journey. It can become quite addictive to try and increase the mpg shown.

8. Keep Your Cool: Most newer cars are fitted with air conditioning. If the extra cooling is not needed by you or your passengers switch the air conditioning off to reduce demand on the engine. However, the system must not be turned off for long periods as harmful bacteria can build up and could prove costly to repair. Use air conditioning sparingly but ensure it is on for several minutes at least every couple of weeks.

Remember, at higher speeds opening car windows may save the use of the air conditioning but it will increase the 'drag' on the car thus outweighing the fuel saving. So keep windows and sun roofs closed on faster roads.

9. Exploring for fuel: The price of fuel can vary greatly between different brands. However, if it requires an extra journey to seek out where to save a few pence per litre there may not be an overall saving in money. Try to remember where the best deals are and fill up when you are passing rather than make a separate journey.

10. A bit drastic: If you are able to avoid just one journey each week by walking or cycling the saving of money at the end of the year could be substantial.

If you are thinking of changing your car consider carefully your true needs as it may be possible to swap to a smaller, more fuel efficient model. Due to recent regulations in general terms the newer the car the more fuel efficient it is likely to be. All new cars have to have clear details as to their fuel efficiency. — Newspress.

Raising the bar

With its new platform, new design and new turbodiesel engine, SsangYong’s new Korando brings an entirely fresh approach to the crossover market.

·      Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro

·      SsangYong’s first monocoque construction provides the perfect basis for a modern crossover All-new crossover model fresh from the ground up

·      Two-wheel-drive, 6-speed manual transmission

·      2.0-litre diesel engine blends efficient fuel economy and high performance

·      Low CO₂ emissions will appeal to company car drivers

Introducing a number of significant firsts for SsangYong, the Korando is once again ready to take a bold step into the South African car market.  Merging the low running costs and dynamic abilities of a conventional family hatchback with the visual appeal, adventurous spirit and rough-road capability of an SUV, the Korando is aimed at the heart of the crossover market.

Interesting to know that the Korando is listed in the Korean Guinness Book of World Records as the country’s longest surviving automotive brand. With its roots stretching as far back as 1974, the Korando started a new chapter in Korean car making as the first-ever self-developed four-wheel drive model to come from the country in 1983. The next significant evolution in 1996 was the adoption of Mercedes-Benz diesel technology when the third generation model was introduced.

Now, after a five-year absence from the world’s car market, Korando is back in an all-new form to claim its place among the world’s new C-segment SUV crossover models.

The Korando is a model designed to reaffirm SsangYong’s position in the minds of car buyers. Far from merely fulfilling the basic needs of the consumer, design innovations have been offered to tempt buyers away from established competitors. The eco cruise control system efficiently manages the amount of fuel injected to maximise economy, a door mirror mounted LED puddle lamp helps passengers get in and out safely and comfortably even in dark areas and the Korando’s towing ability has been at the core of its development from day one.

The diesel engines used to power SsangYong models have long been one of the marque’s key strengths. Combining the traditional virtues of high performance and outstanding durability with superb economy and refinement, the new e-XDi200 diesel engine is the perfect powerplant for the Korando.

The 2.0-litre e-XDi200 engine provides a maximum power output of 130kW and peak torque of 360Nm, representing a 20 percent improvement over its predecessor. Optimum torque is delivered across a low yet broad rev range of 2,000-3,000rpm, leading to effortless acceleration from low engine speeds thanks to Ssangyong’s E-VGT (Electric Variable Geometry Turbocharger).

Not only is it fully compliant with Euro-5 emissions regulations, but the e-XDi200 engine is also designed to fulfil the requirements of the future Euro-6 rules. This has been achieved with the help of a range of technological advancements including third generation 1,800 bar common rail fuel injection, E-EGR (Electric Exhaust Gas Recirculation), swirl control valve and CDPF (Catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter). The swirl level has been made flexible for different gear ratios to achieve the cleanest possible diesel combustion.

Pricing: Korando 2.0l CRD 4x2 Manual – R294 995, which includes the following:

·      5 year / 105 000km service plan

·      3 year / 100 000km factory warranty

·      5 year road-side assistance

Take a look at www.ssangyong.co.za for more information.

Citroën say commercial it is!

 
Citroën SA, which was established as a subsidiary of its French parent at the beginning of 2010, has expanded its product offering into the commercial vehicle segment of the local market after launching a stint of new passenger cars.

 
 The new commercial vehicles are three panel van variants - New Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay - with payloads ranging from 750kg to 1 850kg and cargo space stretching from 3,3 cu m to 15 cu m. All the model ranges have a strong family resemblance in terms of styling and engineering layout.
 
 All the Citroën commercial models aim for a level of comfort found in passenger cars, with standard equipment including air conditioning and power windows. Ride comfort and loadability, together with active and passive safety, are further strong consideration for the design and development teams when conceiving new commercial vehicles.
 
Besides the inherent security of a steel-bodied panel van there is automatic door locking when the vehicle is on the move and selective locking of the cabin and load area, as well as deadlocking.
 
Except for a petrol engine option in the Berlingo the rest of the models use HDi turbo diesel power units mounted transversely and driving the front wheels to maximise load carrying capability.
 
The economical engines combine with 20 000km/30 000km service intervals, (depending on the model) service plans and optional maintenance contracts, together with a 3-year/100 000km  warranty combine to ensure low running costs, which are vital in the current economic environment.

NEW BERLINGO:
The New Berlingo is based on the platform of the C4 Picasso multi-purpose vehicle and places the emphasis on space, with two body lengths available – 4,38m or 4,63m – on a wheelbase of 2,73m. The spacious van body allows two Euro pallets to be positioned one behind the other with 3,3m³ of space and a payload of 850kg for the shorter body and 3,7m³ and a 750kg payload for the longer version.

 DISPATCH 
The medium sized Dispatch slots in between the New Berlingo and Relay.
 
It offers a load volume of 6m³ with a payload capability of 1 200kg and has the ability to carry a load of up to 2,6m in length. It also offers a host of convenient storage compartments in the cabin, including a lockable glove box, overhead stowage compartment and a cup-holder.
 
A novelty is the option of self-levelling air suspension at the rear, which can be used to lower the vehicle to less than 1,9m so it can access low-roofed car parks. There is also a 12V electric outlet socket in the centre of the dashboard to use with a mobile phone or laptop computer.

Safety is enhanced by a total of four airbags, ESP, ABS, EBA.
The engine is powered by 100kW 2:0 HDi  and is mated to a six speed manual gearbox.
 
RELAY:
The Relay is the largest vehicle in the current range on offer in South Africa. It comes in a variety of sizes – three overall lengths with two wheelbases and two body heights – which result in customers having the choice of load volumes ranging from 10m³ to 15m³. Access to the load area is made easy by the low sill (53-56cm, depending on the model) with rear swing doors that open to 180 degrees.
 
This is one of the few front-wheel drive panel vans that are rated at a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,5-tons. In the case of the Relay the GVM can go up to 4 000kg which allows for a payload of 1850kg. (It  must be noted that a special licence is required to drive a vehicle of more than 3 500kg GVM).
 
It comes with a choice of three diesel engines – the 2,2 HDi 100 (74kW), the 2,2 HDi 120 (88kW) and the 3,0 HDi 160  (115 kW). All three engines are mated to manual gearboxes, with six speeds for the HDi 120 and HDi 160 and a five-speeder for the HDi 100 models.
 
Warranty and Service Plans
Berlingo: 3year 100 000km warranty, 4 year 60 000km service plan
Dispatch:  3 year 100 000km warranty, 5 year 100 000km service plan
Relay:  3 year 100 000km warranty, 5 year 100 000km service plan
 
Pricing: (incl Vat)
Berlingo 1.6 9.0L1                                       R155 790.00
Berlingo HDI 90 L2                                      R188 290.00
Dispatch HDI 120 L2H1 Panel Van         R272 900.00
Dispatch HDi 140 L2H1 Passenger         R372 900.00 (incl CO² tax)
Relay HDI 100 L2H1 Panel Van               R279 050.00
Relay HDi 120 L3H2 Panel Van               R306 400.00
Relay HDi 160 L4H2 Panel Van               R358 400.00