Improved Terios

The Dihatsu Terios is a likeable car.

One can't help but to be wooed by its cute-looking exterior and compact dimensions.

Even Jeremy Clarkson, the geriatric best known for his frank and irreverent approach to motoring journalism, fell for the charm of the dainty SUV, claiming that he'd love to take the Terios in on a cold winters evening and keep it by the fireplace as he would a pet, in his review of the vehicle.

Now, I'm far from that age at which senility would compel me to share my fireplace with a car. However, I would certainly consider the Terios as an occupant to my garage, especially since the release of the new, face-lifted version.

While changes are minimal, each revision plays a role in enhancing the appeal of the small off-roader. At the front, a new light-light cluster has been employed, giving the Terios a fresher, more contemporary face. The rear also receives some light-treatment, now featuring a transparent unit reminiscent of those seen on the first generation Lexus IS series.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence: Dihatsu are owned partly by the Toyota Motor Corporation – also the parent company to the Lexus luxury car division. The Terios boasts a host of standard features that make driving a little easier. Front and rear power windows, ABS, EBD, dual Airbags and an MP3 compatible radio entertainment system with steering controls are among the list.

In standard guise, the elevated ride height of the Terios would enable it to fare well as a pavement climber in the concrete jungle. A 4x4 version is available for those seeking to use the Terios as a vehicle to accompany them on real off-road pursuits. This model is equipped with a mechanical limited slip on rear differential and has a higher ground clearance enabling extreme approach and departure angles on treacherous terrain. In addition, the 4x4 version features a GPS system integrated into the dashboard. This should certainly come in handy when you’re no longer able to spot the shrub/tree landmark you’ve created for yourself in the bush.

The staring price for the Dihatsu Terios is R209 900. For added peace of mind, a 3year 100000km warranty and standard 3 year/75000km service plan has been included.

*As appeared on www.justmotoring.co.za

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Formula 1 Safety Car

When it comes to Formula 1 Safety Car competency, reliability and swift performance are key.

If the vehicle is too slow, the Formula 1 cars being lead would lose tyre warmth - essential to achieving optimum grip levels. Overheating and subsequent engine damage might result too, as cooling is aided by the air directed towards the vehicle and into its ducts at high speeds

No wonder then, why Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles have been chosen for such an application. Mercedes-Benz' AMG division has had an affiliation with the high-octane sport of Formula 1 since the mid-eighties,when an AMG-fettled E-Class Coupé with V8 engine was used occasionally as a Medical Vehicle.

Throughout the nineties and noughties, Mercedes have relegated some its most finest AMG models to the intensive task of maintaining order amongst those immensely fast, clinically-designed Formula 1 cars, during unfavourable conditions.

The 2010 Formuala 1 season will once again see the employment of the versatile C63 Estate as the Medical Vehicle and the Gullwing-throwback SLS AMG as the all-new Saftey Car..

The latter might probably cause a few accidents rather the intended purpose of preventing them, as it is indeed a beautiful car - even from the rear.

A 6.3-litre V8 engine with power a colossal power output of 420kW and torque figure of 650 Nm propels the SLS from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. On straights like the one found in the renowned Nurburgring Nordschleife track, it would certainly reach speeds well over the 100 mark. Of course, straight-line power isn't everything. A rigid yet light weight space frame keeping the SLS's mass to 1620kg and a low centre of gravity attributed to the V8 powerplant being installed lower-down within the engine bay ensures that the Mercedes is able to tackle sinuous track layouts like that of the Monaco street circuit, with ease.

Striking Safety Car livery and an aerodynamically-designed LED roof light bar means that the SLS AMG will always be seen, even in poor lighting conditions.

Apart from the fitment of a new rear silencer the Saftey Car retains all the same engine, transmission, suspension and brake system components as the standard production vechicle - testament to the extreme performance capabilities and superb build quality of the SLS AMG. The silencer allows for better exhalation of air by the engine, resulting in improved performance and according to the Press Release, "offers Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience". They certainly won't have time to savour the SLS's aural emissions, scrambling for their umbrellas and raincoats to shelter themselves from the adverse weather conditions in which the vehicle is to be deployed mostly.

The SLS is to be comandeered by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer and his co-driver, Pete Tibbetts. The C63 AMG Medical Vehicle will be piloted by our very own Alan van de Merwe, who is a former race-car driver.

Fourteen years of F1 safety provided by vehicles bearing the Three-pointed star emblem and legendary AMG moniker:


Safety Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: CLK 55 AMG (C 208)
2000: CL 55 AMG (C 215)
2001: SL 55 AMG (R 230)
2003: CLK 55 AMG (C 209)
2004: SLK 55 AMG (R 171)
2006: CLK 63 AMG (C 209)
2008: SL 63 AMG (R 230)
Currently: SLS AMG (C 197)


Medical Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210)
1998: C 55 AMG Estate (S 202)
2001: C 32 AMG Estate (S 203)
2004: C 55 AMG Estate (S 203)
2008-currently: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)

New Bentley for ballers-forgetting the ballies

Bentley: a marque usually favoured by wealthy footballers and geriatrics. Their new Continental Supersports Convertible will certainly recieve a warm reception from the soccer star fraternity, but probably not from its older, more conservative customers.

This is the most powerful convertible ever produced by the British automaker, able to rocket from standstill to 100km/h in a brisk 4,2 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h-hold on to your toupee.The Bentley is powered by the same W12 twin-turbocharged engine as its Coupe stable mate launched in 2009, churning out an awe-inducing 463kW.

The Bentley's aesthetics are commensurate with the impressive performance stats, with a more muscular, aggresive profile in comparison to the stylish yet sedate non-Supersport models in the Continental GT range. Practicality comes in the form of two additional rear seats, making the Supersport a true Grand Tourer.

Bentley has always been associated with unashamed excess and ostentatiousness, but it seems that they too have developed a green conscience to appease the eco-lobbyists.FlexFuel technology will be standardised across the Continental range by 2011, in striving to make all its cars compatible with biofuel by 2012. But let's face it: Supersport Continental owners already have a Toyota Prius or two in their garages, for such occasions where enviromental-friendliness needs to be flaunted.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is as desirable as it is fast.But sadly, ownership remains a distant dream for those of us not seeking to pursue a career in Premier League football and are many, many years away from receiving hefty pensions.

Cops get on the ball for 2010-Thanks to GMSA

South African cops may not be the fittest on the field, so a programme featuring on additional training behind the wheel, must be a welcome relief for those dreading sprinting after bag snatchers.

Initiated in preparation for the slowly approaching FIFA 2010 World Cup, the programme instituted by General Motors of South Africa aims to enhance the defensive driving skills of members of the Flying Squad, Police Dog Unit, Crime Combating Unit, and the elite Special Task Force. Their roles will be pivotal in ensuring global safety during the momentous 6-week event commencing June 2010 in South Africa.

Over a 12 month programme, a group of 2 200 members of the SAPS participated the in the driver training course, administered and designed by Driving Dynamics, with GM-supplied vehicles.

GM chose seven vehicles including the Chevrolet Aveo and Cruze for the programme involving passenger vehicles. An Isuzu double cab bakkie was also used to provide training in the proficient handling of a light commercial vehicle.

The trainers have reason to believe the robust nature of the Isuzu and Chevrolet vehicles in GM's stable had been proved throughout the programme's duration: Despite being subjected to more than 10 000kms of abrupt braking, fierce acceleration and violent cornering, none of the vehicles, they claimed, experienced mechanical problems of any sort.

Then again GM products such as Chev and Isuzu have maintained their strong brand value and credibility over the decades.

Perhaps members of the SAPS who have grown accustomed to spending time behind the wheel of vehicles with the famous Bowie emblem will persuade their superiors to reconsider the current fleet of Golf GTIs and Ford STs in favour of something like Chevrolet's Lumina SS - guaranteed to evoke fear in felons with its brute power and beastly exterior.

Super safe Volvo drives away with ADAC accolade

 

Yet another saftety award can be placed among the array of accolades accumulated by the 2010 South African Car of The Year contender Volvo XC60.


The Volvo received acclaim for its Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as well as the Distance Alert and City Safety systems, when various automatic speed and distance control systems were thoroughly assessed and compared by German ADAC - the largest automotive organisation in the world with some 16 million members, recently.


The XC60 faced stiff competition from the Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat CC, Honda Accord, Lexus IS, and the Ford Mondeo.

The ADAC test report states: "The Volvo system scores above all due to the fact that it consistently puts its emphasis on accident avoidance. The driver is informed about any danger by a red flashing warning lamp, which is projected onto the windscreen. At low speeds, below 30 km/h, the additional, integrated laser technology called City Safety also recognises stationary vehicles and in a potential accident situation, brakes in time to stop the car."

Said a beaming Jonas Ekmark, Active Safety Hub Leader at Volvo Cars: "It feels good that ADAC pays attention to the fact that we have a system that consistently avoids accidents. That is our promise to the customer; to offer the best possible safety."

Locally, Adaptive Cruise Control is available as an optional feature on the Volvo XC60, Volvo XC70, and Volvo S80. It will also be offered in the all-new Volvo S60,which is to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this year.

The new S60 will also incorporate new technologies in addition to ACC and City Safety. Navigating through those crowded streets of Jozi will certainly be made easier with the Volvo's Pedestrian Detection feature, a system that brakes automatically for pedestrians and can avoid a collision at speeds up to 35km/h.

The XC60 30.T is one of eight finalists vying for the title of South African Car of The Year.

With its innovative approach to automotive safety and a stable of technology-laden vehicles, it seems the road ahead could be bright for the Swedish automaker.

The trophy cabinet of the XC60 is envied by rival manufacturers-here are just a few of its credentials:


*In 2009 it was awarded the title of 'SUV of the year' by Belgian mgazine 4X4 Plus.


*Russian automotive magazine Klaxon selected the Volvo as the 'Golden Klaxon' in the compact crossover segment in 2009.


*The XC60 grabbed the title of 'SUV of the year' in Chile, 2009.


*Centro Zaragoza, a Spanish motoring magazine voted the XC60 as the Best Saftey Choice in
"small off-road 4X4" category.


*It isn't what you would call dainty and effeminate, but in 2009 the Autosalon Jury in Brno, Czech Republic voted it the "Lady Car of The Year".

Nomad arriving shortly

Just when it seemed that the Chinese invasion was over, it was announced recently that a new brand from the Far East will soon be establishing itself on South African soil.

Zotye's stable will initially include one vehicle, the Nomad SUV.

The era of Hippies might be long gone, but those seeking to adopt a nomadic drifter lifestyle in the quest for peace and love needn't search for a psychedelic Volkswagen Van, as Zotye's offering appears the most affordable vehicle of this kind. Prices start at a reasonable R119 995.

Cheap and cheerful seems to be the aim. But at the price, one wonders what to expect from the Nomad in terms of quality and safety.

It would be a pleasant surprise if the Nomad's interior uses none of those hard-textured plastics often seen in certain Chinese vehicles and boasts safety credentials certified by an international organisation, like
EuroNcap. This would certainly give some assurance to prospective buyers, unconvinced by the testing initiated by SABS. (The same beaureau that deemed the death trap Citi Golf safe for our roads almost 3 decades after its release).

The Nomad appears well-equipped and even the entry-level 1.3 model features air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, ABS, EBD and surprisingly, keyless entry - a nicety usually seen on premium vehicles with price tags double that of the Nomads.

While its raised driving height might prove beneficial on pothole-ridden roads and light dirt-trails, the Nomad's lack of four-wheel drive means that its off-road capability is limited.

In addition to a three year/75 000km service plan, the Nomad also includes a three year/100 000km factory warranty and one year road-side assistance.

Distribution will start from selected branches, and a Zotye dealer network increase would be dependent on public reception. Currently, two derivatives of the Nomad are available: the 1.3 and 1.5 petrol-engined versions, however there are plans to introduce more models to the Nomad range.

With keen pricing and the promised excellent specification levels, it seems that Zotye Nomad could enjoy great success in South Africa.

Prices:
Kotye Nomad 1.3 4x2: R119 995
Kotye Nomad 1.4 4x2: R139 995