The Gauteng e-Tolls

As it stands; the e-Tolling system will be launched on the 30th of April and will be affecting around 185km of Gautengs most congested highways.

How much will the e-Tolls cost?

The pricing structure for the Gauteng e-Tolls has already changed since its inception and could very well change again before, and if, they are finally launched. As it stands though, there will be a monthly cap per vehicle of R550 and the current pricing is:

Light motor car – 30c per km (with e-tag) | 58c per km (no e-tag)
Motorbike 20c per km (with e-tag) | 38c per km (no e-tag)
Small heavy vehicle 75c per km (with e-tag) | R1.45 per km (no e-tag)
Large heavy vehicle R1.51 per km (with e-tag) | R2.90 per km (no e-tag)

* Taxis and buses will be exempt from the toll charges

How will I be charged?

Motorists on any of the Gauteng e-toll highways will automatically be charged as they drive under a toll gantry. This is known as Open Road Tolling (ORT) and will ensure that the roads are free-flowing, as there is no need to stop and pay via conventional methods to a toll attendant. These toll gantries will be equipped with sensors that will read the vehicles e-tag information as it passes below and debit the required amount. This will be indicated by your e-tag beeping.

1. Prepaid:

Credit can be loaded onto your e-tag in much the same way you would load credit onto a pre-paid cell phone. This can be done at various retails outlets, online, at e-Toll kiosks, ATMs and e-Toll customer service centres.

2. Credit Card:

The second option is to link your e-Toll account to your credit card. Motorists will then have their credit card automatically debited as they pass under the tolls.

What will I need?

Motorists will need to acquire an e-tag which is a small disc powered by a battery that is linked to a particular vehicle and should be in that vehicle when using the e-Toll roads. Motorists will also need to register for an e-Toll account. The e-Toll account can have many different vehicles associated with it; however each e-tag is specific to a particular vehicle.

How can I get an e-tag?

Sanral have provided an interactive map that lists all the available locations to purchase an e-tag.

Sanral Interactive Map

E-tags can currently be bought from e-Toll customer service outlets, gantries and various other stockists. Alternatively you can have an e-tag delivered to you for an additional cost. The cost of the e-tag is currently R49,95 but once you have bought an e-tag and registered an e-Toll account, the amount will be credited to your e-Toll account.

How can I register for an e-Toll account?

Motorists can register for an e-Toll account via the following methods:

Registering online via the Sanral website
Contacting the e-Toll call centre on 0800 726 725
At an e-Toll customer service outlet (which will also be available in many malls around Gauteng)
By faxing a completed registration form to 0800 726 725
Emailing a completed registration form to [email protected]

The form that will need to be completed and faxed or emailed can be downloaded at the following link: e-Toll registration form

What information do I need to provide in order to register for an e-Toll account?

A South African ID number or Passport number
Your physical and postal address
Your contact details
Your account payment details (your banking details etc)
The licence plate number of the car you would like to register
The make and model of the car

If you already have an e-Tag, in order to register the tag to the vehicle you will need the following information on hand:

The e-tag barcode number, which is found on the side of the e-tag
Your customer account ID number

What if I dont pay for using the e-Toll highways?

Sanral note that once the e-Tolls are launched on April 30th, use of these highways without payment is a criminal offence. They also note that there will be 24-hour e-Toll mobile policing vehicles that will be stationed along the highways to apprehend non-paying motorists.

Additional penalties:

If the balance of the motorists e-tag account is not paid within 7 days from use of the particular road, their details will then be handed over to the Violations Processing Centre. At this point the particular motorist will lose all discounts, their tariffs will increase and further prosecution may be undertaken.

Ferrari Berlinetta is the fastest Ferrari ever made

It is always something special when Ferrari reveal a new car and this remains true with their latest offering; the F12 Ferrari Berlinetta. The Ferrari Berlinetta comes with a rather impressive tag-line as well, the fastest car Ferrari have ever made, which says something from a company that specializes in making fast cars. The official debut for the Berlinetta will only be at the Geneva International Motor show but Ferrari have released the information early via their website.

Exceptional design dynamics define Ferrari Berlinetta

The Ferrari Berlinetta comes with a new generation 12-cylinder engine which Ferrari mention is incredibly efficient in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics efficiency. The wheelbase has been shortened, the rear volume of the car is smaller while the engine, dashboard and seats have all been lowered in the chassis. The body of the car is made up of 12 different alloys which has resulted in increased structural rigidity and a reduction of weight, with the total weight coming in at just 1525kg.

Engine Performance

Powering the fastest Ferrari ever made is a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder engine that produces 690 Nm of torque, with 80% of that available at just 2,500 rpm. The transmission is an F1 dual-clutch with closer gear ratios developed specifically for performance. The Ferrari Berlinetta completes 0-100km/h in just 3.1 seconds and 0-200km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed clocks in at a blistering 340km/h.

Fuel economy has not been forgotten either with a 30% reduction in consumption and a reduction in emissions. This is thanks to the design of the engine, the aerodynamic properties of the car, the weight of the car and the tyres.

More information will be available when the Ferrari Berlinetta gets fully revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

New Volvo V40 set for Geneva Reveal

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show, which starts in March, comes with yet another reveal, this time the new Volvo V40. Volvo believe the new V40 has what it takes to compete in the premium hatchback class by creating a hatchback that has many of the features and characteristics usually found on larger Volvo models.

New Volvo V40 – Features

The new Volvo V40 comes with a fully graphic instrument cluster which allows personalized layout and information. Many elements of the new Volvo V40, including the design, safety and versatility of the car were designed based on feedback Volvo received from their customers around the world.

Included in the engine range available in the new Volvo V40 is a T5 petrol engine that produces 187 kW of power and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. All models in the range will feature start-stop technology as well as braking energy regeneration across both the manual and automatic versions.

Safety was another element the new Volvo V40 has focused on and it now comes with pedestrian detection, full auto brake, lane keeping aid and park assist pilot for parallel parking. Most interesting though is the world-first pedestrian airbag. As to be expected from Volvo, safety is a huge concern, not only for the driver but also pedestrians.

Production of the new Volvo V40 begins in May this year and it expected to go on sale in South Africa in the first quart of 2013.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEfficiency 7G-tronic (2012) Driving Impression

Although Mercedes-Benzs SLK roadster, in its previous two iterations, has done reasonably well on the global sales charts, it has never been the most highly regarded vehicle in the Three-pointed stars line-up. Entry level versions have generally been nothing more than poseurs boulevard cruisers, while the more performance-oriented models have suffered from lacklustre dynamics. And in truth, its always looked slightly odd with its long nose, short back-side and relatively pinched tracks. With the third-generation model one gets the sense that Mercedes is really serious about changing the SLKs image. Is it third-time lucky for the small roadster? Let’s take a closer look at the SLK 200.

Mini-SLS looks

The previous-generation SLK tried to offer the dramatic SLR McLarens looks in a more compact form, but with limited success. The F1-inspired nose dated rather quickly and never quite gelled with the rest of the package. The new model, in turn, has taken a lot of styling cues from the current Mercedes-Benz top-dog, the SLS. So, the front-end is more chiselled and square-jawed. This alone gives the SLK a more macho appearance. Unfortunately Mercedes has gone and somewhat spoiled the effect with some very aftermarket-looking spot lights in the front apron. Pity In profile the SLK remains much as before, and at the rear the slightly rounded rump is again not quite in tune with the appearance at the front. So, mixed results in terms of design, but certainly a step in the right direction. For once, the wheels (17-inchers are standard), actually appear to line up with the arches.

The cabin is somewhat of a revelation. Again the inspiration comes from the SLS, and this means a cliff-faced facia dotted with attractive round ventilation outlets and constructed of fine materials. In fact, the SLK now arguably boasts class-leading perceived quality in the cabin, which says a lot given its rivals include the impeccably built Audi TT. We particularly like the metallic-faced instrumentation and the way the silver-trimmed centre console flows into the transmission tunnel. Top marks, Mercedes

One of the main attractions of the SLK has always been its Vario hard-top. Of course the main benefit of a folding hard-top (as opposed to a soft-top) is the extra security and insulation it typically offers. Negatives include weight and, on some cars, some creaking from the structure. In the SLKs case, however, there is another problem the car has to be stationary for the roof to be operated, which really is not up to scratch in the modern convertible game. Also, the roof operation takes 20 seconds an awful lot of rain can fall in that time.

That said, the cabin is a great place to be, roof up, or down. The standard features package is comprehensive and includes climate control, auto wipers, electric seat adjustment, radio/CD/Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery and six airbags. You pay extra for satellite navigation and park assist.

Focus on economy

As the BlueEfficiency badge suggests, the focus with this particular model is as much on efficiency as it is on providing a sporty drive. The turbocharged 1,8-litre engine delivers 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque, the latter at least available from a low 1 800 rpm all the way to 4 600. Mated with the brands 7G-tronic transmission, Mercedes claims an optimistic 0-100 km/h time of 7 seconds and 237 km/h top speed. In reality the SLK doesnt feel that fast, but its certainly nippy enough to have fun and the exhaust sound is surprisingly rorty. And yes it is very economical, though achieving 6,5 L/100 km will demand some very light-footed driving.

The engine then, is probably up to the job. Were not so sure of the transmission 7G-tronic usually works better when theres more torque on offer. In this SLK it offers three modes; Sport, Economy and Manual. None of these modes is quite spot-on. In Sport, the gearbox hunts wildly for the correct ratio, so progress isnt very smooth. In Economy mode, it just shoots up to the top gear as fast as possible, and it takes a lot of throttle movement to get the message across that more power is needed. And lastly, in manual mode, it is just too slow to effect the desired change. If youre a relaxed driver, youre likely to be quite happy with the transmission, but it could certainly be sharpened up.

Supple suspension

With its multi-link rear suspension and anti-roll bars at both ends, the SLK offers good agility for what it is, but stops short of offering electrifying driver engagement. Still, there appears to be more grip and, subjectively speaking, the steering feels more precise and linear in its weighting too. The ride is very good, again evidence that the SLK will continue to appeal mostly to customers looking for a stylish runabout, rather than a sportscar. Drop the roof and wind buffeting is well controlled, and with the roof in place the noise insulation is impressive.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 – Verdict

The SLK has indeed improved in a number of key areas, most notably in the cabin where the quality and design are really top-notch. Similarly, Mercedes has certainly made worthwhile improvements to the ride/handling balance, and theres a palpable sense of detail refinement in this SLK that wasnt there before. If Mercedes could fit it with a sharper transmission and made it possible to operate the roof on the move, it would be a very, very hard to beat package.

We like:

Better looking than before
Excellent cabin design and quality
Fuel economy
Roof-up security

We dont like:

Transmission
Having to stop to put the roof up/down
Not exactly very fast

Fast facts

Engine: 1,8-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 135 kW @ 5 250 rpm
Torque: 270 Nm @ 1 800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Top speed: 237 km/h
0-100 km/h: 7,0 seconds
Fuel economy: 6,5 L/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

Audi TT Roadster 2,0T FSI quattro s-tronic: Probably the best roadster at this price level, the TT packs more power and more grip (quattro) than its rivals. Plus, its arguably the best looking too. The s-tronic dual-clutch transmission is superior to the 7G-tronic in the Mercedes.
BMW Z4 sDrive20i Roadster M Sport Steptronic: The current Z4 is no longer the newest kid on the block, but if its classic rear-wheel drive antics youre after, it still does the job. The design inside and out is however somewhat off the pace. Offers similar performance to the Mercedes.
Nissan 370Z Roadster Automatic: Add some extras to the Mercedes and the price can quickly escalate which brings this Nissan into contention. It may lack a premium badge, but it goes like the clappers and comes fully loaded.

Range Rover Evoque convertible concept revealed

The Range Rover Evoque caused a massive stir when it was released here in South Africa and was very well received by the South African public. To keep the interest going Range Rover have revealed the Evoque convertible concept which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sexy styling for convertible Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque convertible concept maintains Land Rovers tradition of innovation in creating new market segments. The production was not straight forward though; as designers needed to retain the Evoque’s lines and shape while creating the unique convertible SUV.

The roof will be fully retractable and will come with a Roll Over Protection System. The hood is housed in a tapered finisher with the roof mechanism stowed below the belt-line. Land Rover wanted to ensure though that the convertible Evoque would still maintain the aspects that the brand has maintained over so many years and so many different models; a command driving position and all-terrain capability. The new convertible body style was attained with minimum changes to the weight of the vehicle as well as torsional rigidity.

There are no plans to produce the Evoque convertible just yet but Land Rover plan to gage the response to the vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show and take it from there.

New VW Golf Cabriolet Price in South Africa

The new VW Golf Cabriolet will further extend the Golf range and add to its already impressive sales figures, the Golf is VWs 3rd best selling model at the moment. The new VW Golf Cabriolet debuted at the Johannesburg International Motor Show and has now been released.

New VW Golf Cabriolet offers two power variants

Under the hood of thenew Golf Cabriolet there is a 1.4 TSI engine, with 2 options, a 90kW model and an 118kW model.

The 90kW engine develops a maximum torque of 200 Nm between 1500 and 4000 rpm. The top speed clocks in at 197 km/h and the vehicle completes 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds. Fuel economy is decent as well, sitting at 6.4 litres/100km for the manual and 6.5 litres/100km for the DGS, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

The 118kW model ups the ante and completes 0-100km/h in just 8.4 seconds before capping at 216 km/h top speed. Fuel economy is still consistent though, with the manual combined cycle sitting at 6.4 litres/100km and the DSG doing one better at 6.3 litres/100km.

Minor styling changes

The styling of the new VW Golf Cabriolet maintains many of the standard Golf features but comes with some subtle changes. The front has a sportier look thanks to the swept-back windscreen, the rear has been redesigned with the boot-lid extending low into the bumper as well as featuring a chrome strip that runs between the boot-lid and the lower edge of the soft top.

Inside the car, the Cabriolet comes with the same high styling as the Golf. The windscreen frame however is particularly short, a trait which other cabriolets do not share and ultimately emphasizes the feeling of a cabriolet. The interior length is the largest in its class, with sufficient legroom for passengers at the back.

New VW Golf Cabriolet Price

VW Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI 90kW Manual – R283 400
VW Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI 90kW DSG – R297900
VW Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI 118kW Manual – R324000
VW Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI 118kW DSG – R338 500

The new VW Golf Cabriolet comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Intervals are at 15 000km.

Mazda CX-5 with Skyactiv Technology

The new Mazda CX-5 SUV crossover has been dubbed as the most efficient Mazda ever. The Mazda CX-5 has been built from the ground up and all in-house, with the Skyactive ushering in a new era for the Mazda range. The new engines, transmissions, chassis and bodies will form the foundation for the future lineup of Mazda cars and have started with the CX-5.

Super efficienct Mazda CX-5 hits the road

With the main goal being efficiency, the Mazda CX-5 does not disappoint. Fuel economy clocks in at 4.6 litres/100km and the CO2 emissions clock in at 119g/km. With the Skyactiv-D diesel and Skyactive-G petrol engines both being among the best in the segment. To achieve this efficiency, the Skyactiv comes with j-stop idle stop system, regenerative braking and hybrid systems. Mazda note how most internal combustion engines only run at around 40% efficiency, so there is a lot of room for improvement and each Mazda model in the future will continue to improve.

The Skyactive range of models further improves efficiency by shedding excess kilograms where possible and incorporating light-weight designs. Their aim is to create each new model in the generation 100kg lighter than the previous version. Their emphasis is creating cars that are fun to drive, efficient but still affordable. Look for more information on the Mazda CX-5 as it becomes available.

Renault Twingo RS unleashed

The Renault Twingo RS emphasizes the company’s latest design angle, to create cars that embody driving enjoyment and excitement. Developed by Renault Sport, the Twingo RS comes with many design elements taken from Renault Sport Technologies. While the vehicle is set for a March release in Europe, there is no word on a South African release just yet.

Racy design for Renault Twingo RS

The Renault Twingo RS comes with a dynamic grille design and a front bumper that incorporates an F1-style blade. The rear of the car comes with a tailgate-mounted lip spoiler, a special bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches. An optional Design Pack means the vehicle also comes with grey/dark gunmetal door mirror housings and additional chrome details for the fog light surrounds and new 16 inch Emotion alloy wheels. There will also be the option for RS badged centre caps.

Interior features

Inside the car, there is trademark Renault Sport yellow stitching on the steering wheel, seats and dashboard cowl. The dashboard, radio console, rev-counter housing and lateral air vents are decked out in Gloss Black inserts, while the top of the steering wheel, the seat backs, rev counter surround and manual climate controls come in white.

Engine ccapability

Powering the Renault Twingo RS is a 1.6 litre 16V engine that produces 133 hp (98 kW) and 160 Nm of torque. Fuel economy and emissions have not been ignored though, with the CO2 emissions clocking in at 150g/km and fuel consumption at 6.5 litres/100km.

VW Golf GTI celebrates 35 years with Edition 35

For 35 years the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been an incredibly popular vehicle, so much so that it is the most successful compact sports car ever. In South Africa the vehicle maintains this trend, with 3 565 units of the VW Golf GTI sold here in 2011. To celebrate the legacy of this iconic vehicle, VW present us with the Golf GTI Edition 35 which VW believe will be a collectors item.

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 is one of a kind

Powering the VW Golf GTI Edition 35 is a 2 litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 173 kW of power and 300 Nm of torque and completes 0-100km/h in just 6.6 seconds before capping out at 247 km/h. More importantly though, the Edition 35 is able to maintain a high torque output in every speed range. The fuel consumption clocks in at 8.1 litres/100km, with the DSG version coming in at 8.0 litres/100km and even further reduced CO2 emissions.

The VW Golf GTI Edition 35 comes with a new bumper design at the front, as well as bi-xenon headlights, cornering and LED daytime running lights. The aerodynamic properties of the car have also been improved thanks to winglets positioned at the lower outboard areas of the front of the car. Other features that identify it as the Edition 35 are the glossy black mirror housings, side sill extensions and 35 edition badge on the front wings. The rear lights are smoked LED and there are smoked rear windows, also the license plate has LED illumination.

The interior comes with a gear shift grip in classic golf ball look, new decorative strips in the cockpit area and door trim panels, special door sills plates with 35 logo and seatbelts with red stripes. The centre seat panels have active-breathing microfibres, the 35 logo appears on the backrest of the seat, with all decorative seams of the seat done in Flash Red.

Optional features for the VW Golf GTI Edition 35 include: Dynamic Chassis Control, Rearview camera, Park assist, Park distance control, Radio CD Player, DynAudio Excite sound system, Sat Nav, Electric sunroof and Bluetooth cellphone operation. There is also the option for Vienna leather seats and a towbar.

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 – Price

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 – R370 900

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 with DSG – R385 700

Toyota Avanza panel van is all-business

The Toyota Avanza panel van comes with the convenience and utility of a commercial vehicle together with the comfort and style of a compact MPV. The styling of the Avanza panel van is the same that the rest of the Avanza range received, with a new exterior and interior styling. Toyota are aiming this vehicle directly at medium-sized businesses, with its enlarged cabin and additional changes and enhancements.

Toyota Avanza packed with useful features

The enlarged loading bay comes with the following features: A low-lip and large aperture, which adds to the ease of loading. The loading capacity clocks in at 500kg, there is a cargo barrier net to secure the load and there are rear doors for easy access to the cargo. Lastly the windows of the vehicle have been blacked out, for theft-prevention.

On the comfort side of things, the Toyota Avanza panel van comes with Electric Power Steering, dual front airbags, ABS and electric windows. The suspension has also been reworked and now comprises of a McPherson strut suspension in the front a 5-link coil spring suspension in the rear. The shock absorbers and springs have also received some love and are optimized for comfort.

Under the hood is an enhanced version of the 1.3 lite K3-VW engine which has variable valve timing. The weight of the vehicle has also been addressed and with a 20kg reduction there is improved acceleration, braking and fuel economy. The fuel consumption figures now clock in at 7.7 litres/100km along with a 0-100km/h time of 11.9 seconds. The transmission is a 5-speed manual.

Toyota Avanza – Price

The 1.3 S Toyota Avanza panel van will retail for R161 400 and comes with a 4 year/60 000km ToyotaCare service plan and 3 year/100 000km warranty.