The Chilli Mouse! Custom-built, street-legal Datsun Bakkie Racecar
This is one of the coolest Datsun bakkies we’ve ever seen. Join us as the owner talks us through the build and the incredible attention to detail.
Gary Law grew up watching his dad build and race cars, with a particular love for Datsuns. When his father passed, it left a void which he felt an urge to fill, and he came up with this, his custom build affectionately known as the Chilli Mouse.
His fabrication and customs business involves building and modifying some exceptional cars, including real halo cars like the Nissan R34 GT-R Skyline. But Gary wanted something a bit more close to home, and he set about building his dream Datsun 1200.
This is definitely one of the cleanest builds we’ve come across, with incredible attention to detail, and some of the widest tyres we’ve ever seen on a little bakkie!
Join Gary as he walks us through the build and the story behind it.
The all-new Isuzu MU-X has landed in South Africa. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the 7-seater family SUV that’s a rival to the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
The new model will not be built in South Africa, but instead will be imported from Isuzu’s Thailand plant and will also be sold in other African right-hand drive markets. The all-new Isuzu MU-X will be sold with an arsenal of active/passive safety systems, plus modern connectivity solutions such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The cabin is said to feature luxurious fittings and soft-touch surfaces, to give the vehicle a bit more of a premium feel.
We’ll share the levels of trim as soon as we receive them from Isuzu, but from what we can see so far there are 4 models with both 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives on offer.
The all-new Isuzu MU-X is powered by a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder motor. This 4JJ3 motor punches out 140 kW and 450 Nm, and every Isuzu MU-X features a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 4×4 derivatives feature a rotary dial that enables you to change from 2High to 4High to 4Low, plus this new system is said to be faster than the outgoing model’s.
Isuzu MU-X Trim Levels
LS
17-inch wheels Cruise control Rear camera Rear parking sensors Bi-LED headlights LED daytime running lights Remote-controlled central locking Automatic lights Cloth trim Manually-adjustable seats Front and rear USB ports 7-inch infotainment with CarPlay/Android Auto 6x speakers Steering wheel audio controls
LSE
LS plus the following: 18-inch wheels Front and rear parking sensors Electric power steering position adjustment Rear cross-traffic alert Tyre pressure sensors Keyless entry/start Walk away auto lock Power tailgate Leather gearknob Leather seats Electrically-adjustable seats Climate control Rear privacy windows 9-inch infotainment with CarPlay/Android Auto 8x speakers
Onyx
LSE plus the following: 20-inch wheels Adaptive cruise control Front and rear camera Lane departure warning Autonomous emergency braking Automatic high beam Heated front seats Auto dimming mirror Aux 220V power socket
How much does the new Isuzu MU-X cost in South Africa?
The new MU-X is sold with a 5-year / 120 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×2 LS A/T R693 800
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×4 LS A/T R771 600
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×2 HR LSE A/T R763 300
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×4 Onyx A/T R860 500
Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Goes Official (With SA Pricing)
The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has finally been revealed and it’s the ultimate road-legal Cayman. SA pricing has been announced too. Details and price are below…
The Cayman GT4 RS’s development wasn’t exactly a secret and Porsche made quite a song and dance about its attempts to make the ultimate Cayman derivative.
We knew things were getting serious when Porsche confirmed its prototype set a Nurburgring record shortly before its official reveal. If you weren’t aware, the Cayman GT4 RS belted out a 7 minute 04-second run – exceptionally quick and it’s almost 24 seconds quicker than the already capable GT4.
Lurking in the engine bay is a 4.0-litre flat-6 petrol engine that delivers 368 kW and 449 Nm, but has a redline of 9 000 rpm! Porsche claims a 0-100 kph of just 3.4 seconds, which is half a second quicker than the standard GT4. Power goes to the rear wheels via a slick 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Customers can change gears using the paddles on the steering wheel.
Another factor at play is weight or in this case, the lack thereof. With extensive use of carbon fibre and weight-saving techniques, the GT4 RS tips the scales at just over 1 400 kg. The GT4 RS sits lower than the standard car, with an adjustable track-focused suspension. This setup has revised sway bar rates, springs and dampers and making its debut in the Cayman range are center-lock wheels.
As you can see, there’s some extensive aerodynamics on offer with a massive fixed-wing, rear diffuser, adjustable front diffuser, and front spoiler lip. Underneath the car, there have been upgrades for better airflow. There are additional vents to help with cooling.
How much does the new Porsche Cayman GT4 RS cost in South Africa?
The new flagship Cayman model is sold with a 3 year/100 000 km Driveplan
The new CX-50 crossover was designed with the North American market in mind and will be produced in Mazda’s new factory in Alabama, so it probably won’t come to Mzansi. Nonetheless, the newcomer is the first of 5 new CX models that will be launched in the next 12 months, so it’s a preview of what’s to come…
Said to be a “completely new model”, the CX-50 should slot in just above its popular, but long-serving, CX-5 family car sibling in Mazda’s line-up (that’s if the newcomer will be positioned as the Mazda3-based CX-30 is in relation to the CX-3, for example). It’s difficult to say, because the CX-3 and CX-30 are not based on the same platform and it’s difficult to imagine that Mazda would retain the outgoing CX-5’s KF platform for the “all-new model”. Mazda says the current CX-5 will ultimately be replaced, so the CX-50 might be offered as a standalone product first and a complementary model after that.
What’s most surprising about the CX-50 is its off-road-oriented packaging. Mazda says it has “extended this vehicle’s capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains”. As such, all CX-50s are equipped with all-wheel drive (i-Activ) as well as Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). The latter enables drivers to select from various drive modes to tailor the new Mazda’s powertrain settings to suit a variety of conditions, such as “off-road terrain or providing reliable towing capabilities”.
This is a rather bold move on the part of Mazda, which has equipped its all-wheel-drive crossovers and SUVs with (some) added ground clearance and functions that utilise the vehicles’ electronic stability control software to assist in mild off-road conditions, but, with the exception of the BT-50 double cab, the Japanese brand has not drawn attention to its models’ outright off-road abilities and packaging.
The CX-50’s off-roader-inspired styling, however, is quite deliberate, right down to the black graphics on the newcomer’s bonnet. Like its contemporary stablemates, the newcomer is athletically styled, replete with a sleek silhouette, slim side-glass profile and wide stance, but it is additionally kitted out with chunky black cladding (on the wheel arches and flanks), while the bumpers feature little in the way of satin chrome accents. What’s more, the grille and headlight trims are blacked out. The CX-50 is a no off-roader – it’s still a crossover, but it suggests upcoming CX models will be more overtly sporty.
As expected, the CX-50’s upmarket cabin has a minimalist design, with a driver-oriented layout at the front. It’s not particularly distinctive (to be fair, that’s not Mazda’s modus operandi), but piano black inserts, subtle metallic finishes and contrast stitching, which matches the optional terracotta leather trim, complete the look. The model also features a panoramic moonroof; it’s reportedly “a first for Mazda.”
In terms of practicality, Mazda says the CX-50’s height and length facilitate the “easy loading and securing of outdoor equipment. Additionally, the high strength roof rails and reinforced b-pillars and door jambs add to the usability of securing equipment on the roof”. We assume that the roof rails and -box shown in these press images will feature on the new model’s optional accessories list.
The CX-50 will be offered with either the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated- or Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The former is already offered in the local CX-5 range, but we still await the arrival of the 170-kW forced-induction motor in the South African market.
As for the upcoming CX models, the imminent CX-60 is believed to be the direct successor to the current CX-5, while the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 will follow in due course.
Understanding your instalment sale agreement [Part 2]
Start your journey to vehicle ownership with the help of our Street Smart video series, brought to you by Absa Vehicle Finance. “If you finance the purchase of your vehicle through a credit provider, it’s important that you fully understand the details of the instalment sale agreement,” says Absa’s Sbu Dhlamini.
PARTNERED CONTENT
If you’re in the market to buy a car, you may decide to finance the vehicle’s purchase by means of an instalment sale agreement with a credit provider, such as a bank. In the second instalment of this feature, Sbu (Sibusiso) Dhlamini – head of compliance at Absa – shares some more information on this agreement and the accompanying tax invoice.
Dhlamini: The instalment amount is the amount you agree to pay towards repayment of your principal debt, inclusive of interest and your service fee. This amount is clearly indicated on your instalment sale agreement and is calculated by dividing the outstanding balance on your account (including interest, charges, fees and insurance) by the remaining term of your agreement (the number of months).
You may choose to pay your instalment amount monthly, quarterly, bi-annually (twice a year) or annually (once a year) at the variable or fixed rate on the instalment sale agreement.
What is the earliest that I may settle my instalment sale agreement and what is an early termination charge?
Dhlamini: You may settle your instalment sale agreement at any time during the term of the agreement by requesting a settlement figure from your credit provider.
Section 125 of the NCA permits your credit provider to add an early termination charge to your settlement figure if your principal debt is R250 000 or more. This charge is equal to the amount of interest payable on your account for the period from the date you request the settlement figure to the date that you settle the account, but may not be more than 3 months’ worth of interest.
What is a balloon payment?
Dhlamini: You may choose to apply a residual value or balloon payment as your last instalment to your instalment sale agreement. Having a residual value or balloon payment helps to reduce your instalment amount over the term of your agreement, but it’s important to budget and ensure that you’re able to repay this amount in a single payment at the end of the agreement term.
Is there interest charged on the balloon amount and will the final amount include interest charges?
Dhlamini: Interest is charged on the balance outstanding on your principal debt, which includes the balloon amount. The interest payable is included in your instalment amount payable over the term of your agreement so your final balloon payment is a capital amount only, with no added interest.
What if my car is worth less than the balloon payment owing at the end of the term?
Dhlamini: Your car will depreciate in value over the term of your agreement and it is expected to depreciate at a rate of about 20% per annum, although some car brands do depreciate at a lower rate.
How can I reduce the balloon payment during the term of my instalment sale agreement?
Dhlamini: Any lump-sum payment you make in addition to your instalment amount will be applied to your outstanding balance, first against due or unpaid interest, then against due or unpaid fees and charges and finally against the outstanding balance, which includes the balloon amount.
Other episodes in our Street Smart video series:
In the first episode of our series – brought to you by Absa Vehicle Finance, Fulufhelo Mandane (Absa’s head of dealer relationships for Gauteng and Limpopo) discussed what you need to consider before you start shopping for a vehicle, the costs of ownership and your various finance options. Absa First-time Buyer Guide to Vehicle Finance
In the video that followed, Mandane’s colleague Gordon Wood (Absa’s head of dealer relationships for KwaZulu-Natal & Mpumalanga) detailed how the new Aftermarket Guidelines, which were recently introduced in the motor industry, affect you as a vehicle owner. Absa’s Guide to Responsible Vehicle Ownership
Recently, Michelle Moodley (Absa’s head of sales enablement) emphasised the importance of taking precautions to avoid falling into fraudsters’ traps. Vehicle Sales Fraud: What to look out for
The 2022 Hyundai Creta facelift has been unveiled after a handful of teaser images.
The teaser images of the 2022 Hyundai Creta facelift showed hints that the new compact SUV from the Korean brand would adopt the same fascia and grille as the all-new Hyundai Tucson.
The new 2022 Hyundai Creta was globally revealed as part of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show and from our understanding, the model will be assembled in Indonesia right away, with the Indian market receiving its units in the middle of next year. This is important as Hyundai SA sources its Creta units from its Indian factory and while we’ve yet to hear of its availability, the model is popular and we expect to land in SA before the end of 2022.
So, what’s new? Well, that face will dominate talking points and the integrated headlights into the grille won’t be too everyone’s taste. We like the bold and out-there look however as far too many cars are adopting generic styling cues. The rear has also been given a slight update, but it’s nowhere near as radical as the front.
The cabin has received a nip and a tuck, with the standard feature range bolstered with an 8-inch infotainment system, the number of speakers increased from 4 to 8 (with the option of a Bose system), rearview camera, shift paddles, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, ambient mood lighting, ventilated seats, auto climate control and an increase in the standard safety offering.
The Hyundai SmartSense setup adds tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot collision, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, and automatic emergency braking depending on trim level.
We expect the current range of engines and transmissions to be retained and this is a good thing as the powertrains on offer at the moment have all bases covered. There’s a blend of naturally-aspirated petrol, turbocharged diesel and turbo petrols on offer, with customers spoilt with manual and automatic gearboxes.
As we’ve said, we’ve yet to hear from Hyundai SA, but we’re pretty confident this new-look 2022 Hyundai Creta will be coming to our market at some point.
This week’s news you need to know (November 2021, Week 2)
In this week’s news you need to know, forget the GTI – Toyota wants to take on the Big Three premium marques (as well as the Golf R) with its GR Corolla, Peugeot looks to win over some of the most brand-loyal motorists in existence – bakkie buyers, the Haval Jolion’s about to become even more formidable and do we really need yet another tarted up Polo Vivo derivative?
Apex Toyota Corolla – Putting the Grrr in GR
You see, the GR Yaris is a little superstar, but it isn’t a quick Corolla – and there have been quite a few of those on the South African market (okay, NOT recently, but still) – badges such as the Twin Cam 16, RSi, 20V and RXi (to name just a few) are revered by countless motoring enthusiasts, many of whom who weren’t even born when those cars were in their prime. What’s even more noteworthy, is that those performance-oriented Conquests (hatchback) and Corollas (sedans) were aspirational vehicles; they were bought more as status symbols as opposed to, say, their ability to trounce the competition…
However, that looks set to change with the arrival of the upcoming all-wheel-drive GR Corolla, because, if reports (that it will produce 224 kW from its 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor) are accurate, the Toyota will sail past the current crop of hot hatches – including its old foe, the Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 N – and line up against the Audi S3 quattro (213 kW), BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG A35 (225 kW each), as well as the highly anticipated VW Golf 8 R – those models’ asking prices start at R800k and go up to well past R900k. Sure, those kinds of flashy toys are bought by tech industry professionals who seek weekend thrills, but they have the money… that’s why manufacturers love them. If Toyota could offer the GR Corolla as a more affordable alternative to the premium marques’ all-wheel-drive offerings, TMC is likely to sell many, many units of its upcoming GR model.
Peugeot Landtrek – A bold move, but worth a try
Finally, a wise move from a brand that has, unfortunately, let local consumers down a few times before. No, many consumers may never “let that one go”, but for those of us who are somewhat more open-minded (or unjilted, if there even is such a word), perhaps it’s time to forgive but not forget. Peugeot South Africa, under the new watch of Stellantis, has vowed to make amends and do things the right way. This time with a bakkie. South Africans love them and, as the sector has evolved over years to be more car-like, Peugeot seems to have the right touch to make this a success. This isn’t a bad thing.
In a segment that represents a significant slice of the overall new-vehicle market – one that has been dominated by Toyota (and Ford, to a lesser extent) during the past decade, in which Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Nissan more or less hold their ends up and GWM is well and truly making its presence felt, it’s not the worst thing in the world to have a French option. With Peugeot winning the 2021 SA Car of the Year title with its 2008 crossover, new dealers opening and sales numbers climbing, the firm has momentum on which it must capitalise. So, how many baguettes do you think you could fit in that load bin?
Petrol-electric Haval Jolion – the next big hybrid
EV transformation. The electric revolution. Call it what you will, but Haval seems to be doing the copy-and-paste job well by following Toyota’s lead; several car brands on our market seem ill-prepared to offer products that will facilitate “the transition”. Haval, I sense, recognises that hybrids, as opposed to ruinously expensive EVs, may indeed be the only “green(er)” cars that buyers in developing markets can readily afford.
It’s no secret that Chinese manufacturers are master replicators (and, sometimes, improvers) of successful products, so this Jolion Hybrid development should not come as a surprise. Haval’s done remarkably well in South Africa since it arrived here as recently as 2017, and a petrol-electric version of the Jolion should be the ideal rival (if competitively priced) to the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The consumer wins at the end of the day – just as the H2 was a star performer, with the Jolion successfully following in its wake, a Hybrid Haval will do well in Mzansi. Is this the sleeping giant in the fuel-efficiency game?
Black Style Polo Vivo – Another ‘sticker job’
I have been giving Ford quite a bit of stick in this column because of its cynical repackaging exercises with the ageing T6 Ranger line-up, but it seems Volkswagen isn’t lagging too far behind with its range of product-extending efforts, which are otherwise known as “sticker jobs”. First, it was the Polo Beats that made an appearance, then came the Mswenko and now it’s the Polo Black Style. The first two versions added very little value to the “standard” platform. Fair game to VWSA for trying, but enough already with bringing customisation efforts in-house; they really ought to remain in the aftermarket.
We, as consumers, need more value-backed options rather than “sticker jobs” that are overpriced variants of something you could get done in the aftermarket at a fraction of the price. No matter how well the Polo Vivo has done in SA, we need better cars – not cosmetic slap-up jobs. Why not offer a service pack of some sort or a tyre replacement option down the line to add more value? It’s old school, but buyers would appreciate it more.
New Porsche 911 GTS Review – Driving some of South Africa’s best roads
The all-new Porsche 911 GTS has launched in South Africa and we got to experience its breathtaking performance on some of SA’s best driving roads.
When Porsche introduced the GTS as part of the 911 line-up a little more than a decade ago, it didn’t represent much more than a late trim upgrade of the 997-generation Carrera S. It became a somewhat more established fixture in the range with the 991 model, but now, for the current 911 (992), the GTS has evolved far beyond a mid-range coupe derivative adorned with standard sportier accoutrements. In fact, given the fact that it’s currently the most popular 911 derivative, it may just represent the sweet spot in what is a crushingly competent line-up.
Is the new GWM King Kong Poer double-cab the bakkie to rule them all?
When GWM launched its feature-rich P Series bakkie in South Africa, it was an instant hit with GWM scrambling to keep up with surging demand and the P Series is now a common sight on South African roads.
GWM has high hopes for its new P Series, also known as Poer. In fact, GWM aims to be a world leader in bakkies alongside the likes of Ford and Toyota. If the Chinese firm’s latest King Kong Poer is anything to go by, it might just achieve its goal!
While images of the new King Kong have been circulating on the internet this week, comprehensive details for the newcomer have been rather thin. Nonetheless, despite its name, the standard-sized King Kong is actually smaller than the P Series. It stands 5 365 mm long, 1 880 mm wide and 1840 mm high with a wheelbase of 3 140 mm. However, a burlier King Kong will also be offered in China with a larger 1 820 mm load bed which takes the overall length to a whopping 5 635 mm! The P Series measures 5 410 mm in length, 1 934 mm wide and 1 886 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3 230 mm.
Images of the interior have yet to be seen but it’s likely that the King Kong will have the same interior as the P Series. If so, it will feature a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a wide range of safety and driver assistance systems.
Furthermore, reports are indicating that the King King is powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (the same offered in South Africa) in its home market with the petrol powertrain producing 140 kW and the diesel engine offered with either 110 kW or 120 kW / 400 Nm and mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Further details are expected to be revealed later this month when the King Kong Poer makes its official debut at the Guangzhou motor show, so stay tuned!
The Lexus LFA is one of the world’s most iconic performance cars and if rumours are to be believed, there will be an all-new model due in 2025.
The greatest Japanese performance car of all time is inarguably the LFA.
It has been nearly a decade since LFA production ended, heralding the end of an era for the 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V10. One of the most characterful petrol engines, ever built.
It had massive deadline overruns, arriving years after its scheduled introduction. There was also the tragedy of Toyota’s chief test driver, dying at the wheel of an LFA special edition prototype, during testing at the Nurburgring.
Despite all the issues, LFA has a resonance far beyond anything else Toyota has ever built. And that’s why Japanese automotive media have started discussing if a new Lexus LFA is in the pipeline.
According to Japanese industry insiders, the second-generation LFA should arrive by 2025. It will have some similarities with the original LFA and adhere to the realities of a rapidly changing automotive world and regulatory framework.
Engineers are expected to remain committed to the front-engine layout, although the engine will be positioned with a weight bias rearward of the front axle.
Cylinder count and capacity will decrease from the original 4.8-litre V10 to a smaller 4-litre V8. Compensating for the reduction in capacity and cylinder count will be twin-turbochargers and an electric motor.
As with most future-proofed performance cars, the second-generation LFA will be a petrol-hybrid. Lexus has deep experience in hybrids and it is expected that the new LFA will be a PHEV, with a lot more power than the 4.8-litre V10.
Estimates are for a total system output of 700 kW, far exceeding the LFA V10’s 412 kW. To ensure that the hybrid system doesn’t balloon total vehicle mass too much, the second-generation LFA will feature lavish use of carbon-fibre, for its structure.
A composite structure was the issue that stalled the original LFA project by many years, as Toyota engineers attempted to shape and produce carbon-fibre at a scale and complexity that had rarely been attempted in a road car.
Over the last decade and a half, the development in carbon-fibre engineering should ensure that the next LFA is true to the performance-by-lightness principle of Japan’s greatest ever supercar nameplate.
