Land Rover Start Off Road Driving Scheme For Kids

Research has led us to believe that even with valid driving permits, young drivers around the world are the most dangerous motorists you can come across. However, Land Rover UK seems to have a little more faith than the rest of us when it comes to the young crowd and their driving ability. They have introduced the Land Rover Start Off Road Driving Scheme for kids between 11 and 17 years old.

Invaluable set of skills and techniques

The Land Rover Start Off Road Driving Scheme allows these youngsters to get behind the wheel of a specially-prepared Range Rover Evoque models fitted with dual controls and a professional instructor in the passenger seat. From this they will experience true off-road driving, and will be taught skills and techniques they will utilize throughout their lives, both on and off road.

These include basics such as steering, braking and reversing, as well as more advanced skills such as climbing and descending hills, crossing ditches and ridges, negotiating ruts, wet grass and mud, and even crossing water.

David Saunders, UK general manager of Land Rover Experience says that the Land Rover Start Off Road Driving Scheme is designed to offer youngsters something unique that they wouldn’t usually be able to experience.

“Not only is it a fun day out but it also teaches driving skills to youngsters even before they can even get a driving licence. It helps to instill confidence in them, gives them a head start and should help them to become proficient drivers.”

Should kids be allowed to drive?

Earlier this year, Goodyears annual 2013 road safety survey revealed that youth in South Africa were among the most aggressive and easily distracted drivers in the world. The survey further shows young drivers are more prone to be involved in accidents because their lack of judgement when it comes to being safe on the road is bellow par.

South Africans ranked highest in admitting to an improper estimation of speed of traffic when changing lanes or overtaking (59% compared to global 43%) and, even more frighteningly, topped the charts at disobeying traffic signals or signs (62% compared to global 39%).

In contrast however, Land Rover believes their start Off Road scheme for 11-17-year olds will help develop a strong foundation of driving skills for future years. According to the brand, statistics show that younger drivers pick up new skills easier and are more open to learning good driving habits. So by instilling the basics in them at an early stage, they will gain invaluable lifetime experience.

South Africa has a record of particularly hazardous roads. Do you think it would help if drivers started training younger? Do you think a scheme like this would work in SA? Let us know in the comments below.

GWM Set To Shine At JIMS

GWM is gearing up to stun the local market at the forthcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show, occupying one of the biggest stands in Hall 7 with 13 of its products which will be introduced locally during the coming months.

Years of commitment

The models exhibited are the results of the Chinese brands continuous commitment to the local market and its customers. Over the last seven years of its existence in South Africa, the company has grown rapidly and built a comprehensive dealership network and a fast growing product line.

According to GWM these products are representative of a brand that has evolved into one that can compete in terms of product quality, sophistication and desirability, rather than just price.

The range

Their bold new C20R model which was launched earlier this month will be joined by the H6 SUV, C30 B-segment sedan, C50 C-segment sedan and M4 crossover. The brand will also display one of its future vehicles whose identity remains a secret for now.

The C30 and C50 will be the first four-door sedans to be offered locally by GWM featuring generous passenger and luggage space, a long list of standard features and high-value pricing.

Set to replicate its stellar Chinese sales success in the South African market, the unique and trendy SUV-themed M4 is also expected to do very well as there is currently no direct rival at its likely price point.

Another representation of the companys performance-oriented range is Chinas top selling SUV, the GWM H6, due to arrive in SA soon. The model will be available with two engine options a 2.0-litre turbodiesel and 1.5-litre turbopetrol. It is also GWMs first unibody, front-wheel drive SUV to be launched locally and to compete in a fiercely contested segment in the marketplace.

What sets it apart from the rest is its ultra-spacious and flexible interior as well as the power and economy balance offered by the all-turbo engine line-up, claims GWM.

The Johannesburg International Motor Show will take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from the 16 27 October 2013.

GWM Range gallery

BMW Brake Recall Will Affect South Africa

BMW South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it will be part of a global BMW brake recall, or voluntary corrective quality initiative, affecting about 176 000 vehicles worldwide for a possible brake issue. This means that certain models will be repaired at no cost to the motorist.

BMW SA confirmed that 5533 vehicles in South Africa are affected mainly the 1, 3, 5, X1, X3 and Z4 Series vehicles equipped with four-cylinder petrol engines produced between June 2012 and August 2013.

BMW brake recall does not mean brakes will fail

The issue comes from a restriction to the oil supply from the intake camshaft to the brake vacuum pump. If the oil supply is restricted, the brake vacuum pump can fail due to lack of lubrication and can result in a loss of power brake assist.

However, this doesn’t mean the brakes will fail, just that the driver might have to apply extra pressure for the same braking force.

A service letter will apparently be sent out in November-December for the recall. However if you own the vehicle and experience a loss in braking power, it is advised to pull to the side of the road and have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorised BMW service centres (dealerships), where the camshafts will be inspected and reworked as necessary.

New MINI Engines – All New For Next Generation

The BMW sub-brand has announced they will be using new MINI engines for the 2014 Cooper and Cooper S, including a three cylinder petrol, which will be equipped with Minis TwinPower turbochargers.

New generation of engines

Both the Cooper and Cooper S will be officially unveiled at the Oxford factory in November and later at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new MINI engines will be a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 100kW and in higher-performing models a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing 141kW.

This compares to the current generation’s single powerplant unit, 1.6 litre single turbo petrol, which is tuned differently for different models.

The new MINI platform benefits from lightweight technologies shared with BMWs new i-series. The 1.5-litre engine offers 220Nm although the company says it can be increased to about 230Nm temporarily with an overboost function. The four-cylinder has about 280Nm of torque at the same speed and 300Nm with overboost. Both engines rev up to 6500 rpm, and will be hooked to newly-developed six-speed transmissions.

The manual gearbox is enhanced with the ability to adjust engine speed for optimal shifts, while the new automatic transmission will be able to communicate with the optional navigation system to adapt gear selection to the current route. For instance, if the navigation tells the gearbox an intersection is ahead, the gearbox will prep for a downshift.

MINI TwinPower technology

A common feature of the new drive units is the MINI TwinPower turbo technology, which optimizes both performance and efficiency. In the case of the petrol engines, this technology package includes turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable camshaft control on the intake and outlet sides (dual VANOS) and, in the more powerful versions, fully variable valve control according to the model of the BMW Group’s patented Valvetronic system.

Also for the first time, new MINI products will come with electrically adjustable dampers, and on top of mechanically improved handling, future models will come with revised electronic power steering.

Chassis technology

The complete redesign of the chassis for future MINI models continues to focus on the tried-and-tested structure of the single-link spring strut axle at the front, and the multi-link rear axle – unique among the brands competitors. In combination with features characteristic of any MINI, such as the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, wide track gauge, short overhangs, transverse engine, rigid bodywork and intelligent lightweight design, innovative solutions in the chassis area make for even more precise and sporty handling.

Is this the next Mini

The latest innovations in drivetrain and chassis by MINI will be previewed at the Los Angeles Auto Show taking place in November.

Volkswagen Working On Next VR6 Engine

Volkswagen is supposedly working on a successor for the VR6 engine which could feature a twin-turbo setup and will be used in numerous models.

The report on Autoweek mentions that work on the narrow-angle V6 direct-injection engine is being supervised by VWs new head of engine development, Fritz Eichler. Eichlers previous experience includes helping develop current powerplants found in Mercedes-Benz AMG models.

Less heavily tuned VR6 engine

While previous VR6 engines were naturally aspirated, the new VR6 engine will apparently use forced induction, and could turn out to be a twin-turbo arrangement as previewed in the Design Vision GTI that was revealed earlier this year at the Volkswagen Worthesee event.

However, the production engine is expected to be less heavily tuned and with a transversely-mounted twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine developing between 250kW and 331kW.

Volkswagen plans to use the new engine in new models in select markets, including replacements for the Passat, Passat CC, and a production variant of the CrossBlue concept, in addition to numerous commercial vehicles.

GWM C20R Review

What is it?

Parked outside my house the other day, a nice man in a tweed jacket came over to me and asked simply, what is this? Score 1 for attracting attention, then. This is the latest product from Great Wall Motors GWM – its called the C20R and I have no idea what that means, and they didnt explain it in the press release. But it is based on their popular C10 hatch.

What makes it different?

It wants to be a bit of a crossover so it features raised suspension to help you tackle the odd gravel road. A couple of black plastic bits and pieces around scuff areas give it a tougher look, the front design is new and I think it looks rather good. Standard 16 inch alloy wheels look the part too.

Why go Chinese?

If you think back 20 years, no one was buying Korean cars, and now brands like Hyundai/Kia are just massive. I think the Chinese industry is going the same way; they certainly have the resources. For me, GWM is taking the right steps, they are on sale in over 100 countries. In SA, they have over 70 dealers and 150 million Rands worth of parts in the warehouse.

Whats it like to drive?

This particular car is starting to feel very close to its rivals indeed, in terms of interior quality and drive characteristics. There are a few irks here and there, you can plainly see where the airbag is packed and the windscreen wipers make an interesting ticking sound each time they activate. Curiosities at the most, but something to ask the dealer about.

We were the first to receive a test unit and this car is so new, it hasn’t had a chance to really warm up yet. Think of it as an athlete that hasn’t stretched before going for a run. The only engine available is a 1.5 litre non-turbo petrol, with 77kW and 138Nm. It doesn’t feel low on power, particularly at urban speeds, but feels a bit light on torque.

That said, I was quite impressed with the engine and ride quality. It was a little noisy at highway speeds, but nothing a little radio cant drown out. While the engine noise might smooth out as the engine wears in, the wind noise above 120km/h probably won’t.

I didn’t appreciate the raised driving position, but I know a lot of people do. The drivers seat adjusts for height but doesnt seem to go down, which is odd. Grabbing second gear feels a bit too long, like that particular gear might be part of another gearbox. Small things like this could be improved easily though.

Where does this car fit in to the local market?

In terms of size and type of engine, this car has a lot of rivals, particular from Japan, but to be honest I think we have to compare apples with apples its not quite at the refinement level of a Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i20.

But, it is a fair bit cheaper than both of those, and I would compare it to cars like the Renault Sandero Stepway, and the Polo Vivo Max.

GWM C20R Rivals

They are all quite close on price:

GWM C20R: R154 900 all inclusive
Polo Vivo Maxx: R164 300
Renault Sandero Stepway: R149 900

Its all pretty close, but the GWM does offer the most standard kit, including electric windows all round, electric mirrors, USB/Aux media input and park distance control.

Interestingly, the rear seats slide back and forth as well as fold completely flat, so the load area does become particularly useful. The interior is spacious indeed, and they’ve made an effort to make sure you can make the best use of the space.

For the first time on a GWM, a service plan of 3 years is included as well.

GWM C20R Review Summary

Personally, Im the kind of motorist who will take that kind of money and go and play in the second hand market. But if youre looking for something affordable, spacious and with low running costs, the Chinese are starting to offer real competition to the establishment.

While the engine tech may be a little behind the establishment in terms of efficiency, the brand is certainly catching up in most other departments.

The competition is close now and I have a feeling GWM will be happy to favourably negotiate your trade in, which may mean you save money on your monthly installments on the new car. Theyre an eager brand trying to really grab a foothold in South Africa, and consumers should make the best of that approach while it lasts.

GWM C20R Price in South Africa

There is only model, with all options standard:

R154 900 (all inclusive of VAT and emissions tax)

Quick Specs GWM C20R

Engine: 1.5 litre non turbo 4-cyl petrol
Fuel consumption: 7.7 litres/100km (claimed)
Power: 77kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 138Nm at 4200rpm
Fuel capacity: 40 litres

GWM C20R Gallery

Renault Duster Review – 1.5 dCi Diesel

Renault has made an interesting move into the SUV and 4×4 segments with the Duster, a car born of the Nissan alliance and currently selling incredibly well in important emerging markets such as India and Brazil. Built to compete principally on price, the Duster offers surprising levels of refinement, comfort and on road ability.

The Duster Range in South Africa

At launch, two engines will be available, a 1.6 non-turbo petrol and a 1.5 turbo diesel. Ive been driving the diesel more on that a little later.

There are two trim levels, Expression starting at R194 900 going up to the Dynamique 4×4 at R239 900. The only engine available in the Expression spec is the petrol, while the lowest price diesel comes in at R219 900. The Dynamique comes well specced with a touch screen media and satnav system borrowed from the new Clio.

What I like

At this price, this is a lot of car. And it feels like a 4×4 you would actually take off road into the tough stuff, instead of spending a million rand on a Range Rover and never doing anything more than climbing pavements.

I was driving the Range Rover Evoque at the same time as the Duster, and I couldnt believe the Rangie was nearly three times the price as the base Duster. It seems a bit absurd really. Of course the Range Rover is lovely. But I would never have the heart to take it offroad, whereas the Duster feels like its rough and ready.

Ride and handling

Ride comfort is very decent at high way speeds. Smooth and quiet for a vehicle in this class. Sure, its no Range Rover, but then its not trying to be. While the Evoque might be better at 200km/h, I cant see the point of owning a proper 4×4 that can do that. You do have to treat the Duster a bit like a bakkie in terms of handling, but thats the price you pay for a high ride height and tall sidewall tyres.

Duster Diesel Engine

Ive been driving the diesel. Around town, the diesel takes some getting used to. Its like taking an overweight dog for a walk its not very enthusiastic. You have to adapt your driving style completely. Its not that there is a shortage of power, with 80kW and 240Nm, it certainly feels like theres enough oomph, but its available for such a short time in the rev range, that you really have to work the gearbox to make the best of the engine.

I would imagine that the alternative petrol version is better if you drive mostly urban routes, with lots of stop-starting. For longer trips, the diesel actually has a chance of paying itself off, with very decent consumption indeed.

It is very light on fuel. Renault claim 5.5 litres/100km, which you should get quite close to, especially if you take longer trips.

Equipment and safety

The standard equipment list is long, ranging from power windows all round, full media integration and front and side airbags.

This Dynamique spec gets more kit with a standard touch screen media and satnav unit; its very decent kit indeed at this price point. The fascia could have been better designed ergonomically, the screen almost faces downward, but other than that, it is simple and easy to use. I doubt youll need your kids to show you how it all works.

Bear in mind though that metallic paint is an extra at R2500, but options like park distance control are standard.

Interestingly no automatic box is available.

4×4 ability

I must apologise, I am such a city slicker and I havent taken the duster offroad. What I can tell you, and you might be glad to know, is that all the offroad bits and pieces come from Nissan, so these are tried and tested drivetrains. Nothing new here, with you being the first person to break it. I think thats a smart move from Renault.

In the absence of a low range transfer case, the 4×4 is features a shorter first gear that allows it to crawl at under 6km/h at 1000rpm. There is a downside to this on the road though, as you quickly have to catch 2^nd gear when in traffic.

Ground clearance is very decent at 205mm in the 4×2 and 210mm in the 4×4, with healthy approach and departure angles. Again, it just feels like the kind of car you can get very dirty indeed.

Service and warranty

As is the case across Renaults entire product range, the New Renault Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. Also, all New Renault Duster variants come standard with a 3-year / 45,000km Service plan.

Summary

As mentioned, I had this on test at the same time as the Range Rover Evoque, which costs nearly R600 000. And yes, the Evoque is very nice. It looks very nice. Its very comfortable. It has lots of leather lined everything and it will impress your friends.

But, if you need a 4×4 with space for 5, you could save nearly R400 000 and buy this. And then go on holiday. Or buy a holiday house. Or buy two of these and still have R100 000 in change.

The Duster is very, very good value for money, and with a facelift already available in Europe, this could be a second hand bargain in a year or twos time. Although, at under R200 000, its already well worth it.

Renault Duster Pricing in South Africa

There are four models in the range at launch, two trim levels, one petrol engine and one diesel:

– 1.6 Expression 4×2 R194 900
– 1.6 Dynamique 4×2 R204 900
– 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 R219 900
– 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 R239 900

Renault Duster 4×4 Quick Specs

Price in South Africa: R239 900
Engine: 1.5 dCi turbo diesel
Fuel consumption: 5.5 litres/100km (claimed)
Power: 80kW
Torque: 240Nm at 1750rpm (4×4 model)
Fuel capacity: 50 litres

2014 Lexus IS F Gets Detailed

Introduced back in 2008, the Lexus IS F has undergone minor refinements for the 2014 model year, although it will soon be replaced with a performance version of the Lexus RC coupe set to be launched at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Revised interior trim for 2014

Although carrying over some of the features from the previous generation model, the 2014 Lexus IS F is set apart by its aesthetic updates. These include LED fog lamps, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, Alcantara trim on the doors and centre console, black semi-aniline leather trim on the seats, and headrests embossed with the F logo.

Standard features on IS F include 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings. There is also a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, as well as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a HomeLink programmable garage door opener.

Exhilarating Performance

Whats also new for 2014 Lexus IS F is the powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine that develops 310 kW and 502 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission which enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 273 km/h.

With a chassis refined on the Nurburgring, Circuit Paul Ricard, and Fuji Speedway, the new IS F features better performance and handling than previous models. Lexus worked with Michelin and Bridgestone to develop the 19-inch tyres specifically for the cars 273 km/h track capability. Numerous track-proven modifications to the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations endow the 2014 Lexus IS F with uncanny ability through curves while maintaining refined rode comfort.

It is unclear when the model will arrive in South Africa, but we will keep you updated with any developments.

2014 Lexus IS F gallery

2014 Kia Sorento Receives Five Stars For Safety

The 2014 Kia Sorento is one of the latest models to have earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), enhancing it’s overall value proposition .

High scores across all categories

The South Korean vehicle scored well in both frontal and side-impact crash test, while also getting an impressive four-star rating for rollover testing, which was enough to award it an overall five-star rating.

In addition to that rating, the Sorento was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is the highest rating issued by the IIHS. To earn that score, the vehicle needs to earn a good rating in four of the five tests with no less than an acceptable rating in the fifth.

According to Orth Hedrick, executive director, product planning at Kia Motors America the redesigned Sorento utilises Kias advanced safety equipment and technologies to provide a high level of occupant protection for drivers and their families.

Already a compelling entry in the compact CUV category, earning a 5-Star rating from NHTSA makes the Sorento an even stronger contender within its segment while underscoring Kias overall commitment to delivering safety and exceptional value to our customers, he added.

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2014 model year, with the company claiming that 80 percent of its components are brand new.

The Redesigned 2014 KIA Sorento has a host of new components that make it more than just a mere mid-cycle refresh. Read more about it and its prices here.

2014 Kia Sorento Crash Test Video

New Face and More Power For The 2014 Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi has set out significant specification upgrades for the Triton Double Cab and Club Cab ranges in terms of new styling, powerful engines and standard equipment.

Built for tough roads and terrains the range comprises of different body styles in 4×2 and 4×4 and has benchmark safety features, air conditioning, supportive seats, power windows, a 1-tonne payload and 1.5-tonne towing capacity.

Increased power

Substantial boost in power and torque for the Double Cab 4×4 comes in form of an intercooled turbodiesel engine that has been reduced from 3.2-litre to 2.5-litre. Power goes up 9% from 120kW to 131kW, while the maximum torque has been increased by 17% from 343Nm to 400NM.

All 2014 Mitsubishi Triton models have a five-speed manual gearbox.

Improved 4×4 system

The Triton Double Cab now has a lockable centre differential combined with the shift-on-the-fly system. This allows the driver to change form standard 4×2 mode to 4H without a locked differential at speeds up to 100km/h. While the four-wheel-drive system operated by Mitsubishis Super Select system enables the driver to choose from four different transfer modes.

New styling inside and out

The updated Triton Double Cabs can be seen sporting a new grille and front bumper, colour coded wheel arches, indicator repeaters in the side mirror housings and smart new alloy rims 17-inch on the double cab 4×4 and 16 inch on the rest of the Double Cab and Club Cab range.

To bring it in line with other luxury vehicles in the Mitsubishi product range, the cabin is fitted with leather seats, air-conditioning, cruise control, three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel with multi-function switches for the audio system and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as the Mitsubishi Link System with voice control function. The Double Cab further has distinct body design advantages including rear collision energy absorption, rear entry ease and increased leg room.

Besides that the seats come trimmed in fabric, the Club Cab model comes with almost all the standard features in the Double Cab including Bluetooth, audio and phone controls on the steering wheel, and the voice activated phone control. The Club Cab is also available only in diesel and comes in a variant with optional rear seats.

Major focus on occupant safety

Safety feature in the Triton include a safety cell cab, driver and passenger air bags, anti-skid ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) as well as a RISE body protection system, side impact bars, impact absorbing steering wheel column, keyless entry and motion locking doors.

2014 Mitsubishi Triton Price

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 Di-DC Club Cab – R284 900

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 Di-DC Double Cab – R344 900

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 Di-DC 4×4 Double Cab – R419 900

All Mitsubishi Tritons are covered by a 3-year/100 00km warranty.