The SAICB Signs MoU with Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) to curb cross border vehicle crime

Cross border vehicle crime is a serious problem affecting both the public and privatised sectors. As one of our key focus areas for 2015, the SAICB has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) in an effort to reduce cross border vehicle crime, fraud and corruption between South Africa and Lesotho.

The agreement is set to help us leverage existing shared data to detect patterns related to borderline crossings, identify and communicate the modus operandi of syndicates and assist with the successful location of stolen vehicles in possession of the LMPS.

Objectives of the MoU:

• To enhance the sharing of information between the SAICB and other fraud and crime prevention bodies
• To identify and effectively implement joint preventative and combating approaches aimed at reducing opportunities for vehicle related fraud, crime and corruption
• To establish and implement appropriate governance structures and mechanisms
• To improve communications with respect to crime information to all stakeholders

While we cannot divulge some of the particulars outlined in the MoU at this time, we are in the process of identifying key operations that will form part of this initiative.

;

The SAICB Signs MoU with Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) to curb cross border vehicle crime

2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country Very first Drive: Unapologetically Wagon-y

Very first Drive Evaluation

arrow

We wheel the XC70′s smaller, sexier sibling.

We at Vehicle and Driver like our wagons low, stylish, and fast, so when Volvo showed its low, fashionable, and (in some forms) quick V60 wagon in tall, pseudo-crossover Cross Country kind, not all of us were totally stoked. Does the globe require an additional crossover-y thing, or maybe much more cynically, do we want yet another apologist wagon that feels the need to butch itself up? Furthermore, does Volvo, of all businesses, want a vehicle like this, given that the V60 Cross Country will share showroom space with the thematically similar XC70?

These concerns aside, we’re not disappointed with the execution. Volvo’s designers restrained themselves from slathering the vehicle with off-road addenda like body cladding, roof cross rails, and brush guards. Indeed, what we have here is primarily a V60 with 2.6 inches of further ride height, blacked-out window and mirror trim, dark window tinting, front and rear “skid plates” (neither of which appear to protect a lot of anything), silver rocker trim, and a honeycomb grille. The fender arches are trimmed in black to visually fill the gap developed by the lifted suspension, and regardless of whether you choose the $ 41,940 Premier or the $ 45,590 Platinum trim level, each V60 Cross Nation will ride on the identical set of diamond-cut 18-inch wheels wrapped with 235/50 Continental all-season tires. All together, the high-riding V60 projects a remarkably diverse aura than does the standard V60, and it operates, mainly because it nevertheless appears like a appropriate wagon.

Inside, occupants face the exact same fairly dashboard as other S60/V60 variants and sit on some of the world’s most comfy chairs (Contour seats, in Volvo-speak). Our test instance was gussied up with $ 400 wood inlays, despite the fact that the advancing age of the interior style is evident in the button-heavy center stack and fussy user interface. The configurable instrument screen, however, appears slick, serving up information in Eco, Elegance, or Overall performance themes. Low-pile sisal-like floor mats and contrast-stitched leather upholstery also are normal, along with navigation, a sunroof, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

Higher Ridin’

A jaunt in California from scenic Calistoga to Lake Tahoe in the V60 Cross Nation taught us little we couldn’t have predicted: It is tall, tippy, and soft, pretty a lot the precise opposite of the V60 Polestar. The taller perch provides occupants a commanding view of the road ahead even though enjoying the innately far more relaxed (read: significantly less upright) seating position of a appropriate vehicle, and that we truly like. The familiar 250-hp turbo 5-cylinder emits its distinct growl upon complete-throttle acceleration, despite the fact that its energy is merely sufficient. (Volvo claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 7. seconds, which is possibly about correct.) The steering and brakes lack significantly in the way of zeal or bite, and amplified physique motions decrease cornering speeds to crossover levels. On the upside, the ride is velvety and the cabin remains hushed even at triple-digit speeds.

What the V60 Cross Nation does reasonably properly, even so, is invite off-pavement-ish adventures ranging from the benign—say, parking with 2 wheels off the shoulder at a roadside fruit stand—to the moderately challenging, such as exploring muddy 2-tracks. We wouldn’t attempt considerably far more, even though. But in between the added wheel travel and the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, which can send up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear axle before the front wheels have slipped even 1/17th of a rotation, the Cross Nation can easily go where other V60s can’;t. All the whilst, we noticed no squeaks or thunks when traversing diagonal ruts, and the properly-tuned shocks dulled impacts both off-road and on.

Cannibalistic?

Of course, the elephant in the room—which is to say the other crossover-y wagon thing in the showroom—is the aforementioned XC70, which is about 8 inches longer, 2.3 inches taller, and .4 inch greater off the ground. And at $ 38,490, its base price is less expensive than the V60 Cross Country’s. Add in its vastly much more capacious cargo location (72.1 cubic feet maximum versus 43.8 for the V60) and the XC70 is the more sensible option, even although the V60 CC’;s lackluster 20/28 mpg city/highway fuel economy is better than that of the XC70 AWD and its straight-6.

So what’s the point of the V60 Cross Nation? By Volvo’s personal admission, the V60 Cross Country is unashamedly more about style than practicality (the oddball S60 Cross Country sedan version getting even far more so). That calculus might alter some, nevertheless, as soon as the XC70 scales up to the upcoming S90 sedan on Volvo’s new SPA platform in the coming years. Although it’s debatable whether the planet wants another faux CUV, it is good that an additional station wagon has been added to the landscape, and we’ll continue to take these in whatever kind they come.

View Photo Gallery

Pictures (46)

Other Stories You May Like

2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country Very first Drive: Unapologetically Wagon-y

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Question:

Tractor crossing main road – unlicensed driver

What is the law if a farmer has a farm on both sides of a national road – if his tractor has to cross the road. Previously the tractor (with unlicensed driver) could cross or use the road for short a distance on either side of the gate. What is that distance and is there a new ordinance. The farm is in KZN
Answer:

Unfortunately that has never been the case. Drivers are not exempt from the driving licence. The tractor may have a special licence that normally does not allow him to drive on a public road. the one km is applicable to the tractor crossing and not the driver. They may never be on the road without a licence.

Alta Swanepoel

;

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Question:

Tractor crossing main road – unlicensed driver

What is the law if a farmer has a farm on both sides of a national road – if his tractor has to cross the road. Previously the tractor (with unlicensed driver) could cross or use the road for short a distance on either side of the gate. What is that distance and is there a new ordinance. The farm is in KZN
Answer:

Unfortunately that has never been the case. Drivers are not exempt from the driving licence. The tractor may have a special licence that normally does not allow him to drive on a public road. the one km is applicable to the tractor crossing and not the driver. They may never be on the road without a licence.

Alta Swanepoel

;

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Question:

Tractor crossing main road – unlicensed driver

What is the law if a farmer has a farm on both sides of a national road – if his tractor has to cross the road. Previously the tractor (with unlicensed driver) could cross or use the road for short a distance on either side of the gate. What is that distance and is there a new ordinance. The farm is in KZN
Answer:

Unfortunately that has never been the case. Drivers are not exempt from the driving licence. The tractor may have a special licence that normally does not allow him to drive on a public road. the one km is applicable to the tractor crossing and not the driver. They may never be on the road without a licence.

Alta Swanepoel

;

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Question:

Tractor crossing main road – unlicensed driver

What is the law if a farmer has a farm on both sides of a national road – if his tractor has to cross the road. Previously the tractor (with unlicensed driver) could cross or use the road for short a distance on either side of the gate. What is that distance and is there a new ordinance. The farm is in KZN
Answer:

Unfortunately that has never been the case. Drivers are not exempt from the driving licence. The tractor may have a special licence that normally does not allow him to drive on a public road. the one km is applicable to the tractor crossing and not the driver. They may never be on the road without a licence.

Alta Swanepoel

;

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Question:

Tractor crossing main road – unlicensed driver

What is the law if a farmer has a farm on both sides of a national road – if his tractor has to cross the road. Previously the tractor (with unlicensed driver) could cross or use the road for short a distance on either side of the gate. What is that distance and is there a new ordinance. The farm is in KZN
Answer:

Unfortunately that has never been the case. Drivers are not exempt from the driving licence. The tractor may have a special licence that normally does not allow him to drive on a public road. the one km is applicable to the tractor crossing and not the driver. They may never be on the road without a licence.

Alta Swanepoel

;

Both your tractor and the tractor driver must be licensed to cross a public road!

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in overall 2014 Championship

• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Class S Championship


• Toyota 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th in Atlas Copco Gold 450 production vehicles


• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Atlas Copco Gold 450 Class S


• Toyota won all classes entered in all championships (cross country and rally) in 2014

In a race with more plot twists and heart-stopping moments than an afternoon soap opera, defending champions Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy added the 2014 Donaldson Cross Country Championship title to Castrol Team Toyota’s tally for the year. The pair finished fifth overall – high enough to bag the title – in the Atlas Copco Gold 450 after a disappointing qualifying round that saw them start the race from the back of the field.

“Anthony and Dennis really drove an amazing race,” said Team Principal Glyn Hall after the final event of the season. “They had to take part in the mass start, but they fought back relentlessly and finished 5^th when the dust settled. Enough to win the 2014 title by what turned out to be a comfortable margin in the end.”

Taylor/Murphy was embroiled in a battle for the title with the Malalane Toyota crew of Johan and Werner Horn, who ironically campaign Taylor’s championship-winning Toyota Hilux from 2013. Just 14 points separated the 2 teams before the final round, and when things didn’t go according to plan for Taylor/Murphy in the prologue, which determines the all-important start positions for the main event, it was clear that the fight was going to go to the wire.

“A rogue rock damaged one of our rear brake lines early in the prologue,” explains Taylor. “We lost nearly half an hour as we sorted things out, and even though we eventually got going again we had to settle for the mass start – not the place from which to win a championship.”

But champions don’t become champions because they lack tenacity, and Taylor/Murphy are proven champions. So they fought back throughout the 350 km route of the main event, overtaking an impressive number of competitors in the process, and placing themselves in a position to capitalise on any problems the front-runners may have. Their tenacity paid off, as they finished in 5^th place – just 2 spots behind the Horn brothers, and enough to secure their second title on the trot.

Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie, in the second Castrol Team Toyota Hilux started strong. Despite suffering a puncture in the prologue, the pair posted a time just 6 minutes off the leading pace, and they came out of the blocks charging hard in the main event. An unfortunate accident near a road crossing saw them collide with one of the special vehicles ahead of them, which caused significant damage to their Toyota Hilux’s oil cooling system. They were forced to retire, and as a result had to settle for 4th overall in the championship.

In Class S for older-spec race vehicles it was 4×4 Megaworld’s Deon Venter and Jaco van Aardt, who took class honours in their Toyota Hilux, pipping newly crowned class champions Jannie Visser and Joks le Roux (Ruwacon Racing Toyota Hilux) by 10 minutes. Despite the class win, Venter/Van Aardt had to settle for second place in the championship.

“We are overjoyed by our motorsport results this year,” says Hall. “Thanks to the great results achieved by some of the privateers who also race Toyota products, we have won every single class we entered in 2014, in both the South African National Rally Championship and the Donaldson Cross-Country championship.”

Leeroy Poulter and Elvéne Coetzee bagged the South African National Rally Championship title in their Castrol Team Toyota Yaris S2000, while Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy-Lyle achieved the same in Class S1600 (Yato Toyota Etios R2). In the Cross Country Championship it was Taylor/Murphy in Class T (the top class for production vehicles), and Visser/Le Roux in Class S.

“It was a fantastic year for us,” says newly crowned champion Anthony Taylor. “The team did an amazing job, and the Hilux was as reliable as ever. What a feeling to win 2 championships in a row!”

Castrol Team Toyota fielded the 2 newly built Dakar Toyota Hilux race vehicles on the Atlas Copco Gold 450. These same vehicles will depart for South America on December 15^th, and be on the start line for the world’s toughest motor race on January 4^th 2015.

Also view:

Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Toyota Motorsport South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors and Specialist Official Supplier and Technical Partners

Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Castrol, Toyota Financial Services, Imperial Toyota Group, Innovation Group, Bosch, DeWalt, Donaldson, Edgecam, Ferodo, 4×4 Mega World, FreeM, NGK, Robor, SKF and Spanjaard.

Follow the fortunes of Castrol Team Toyota on Twitter, www.twitter.com/toyotasa; and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/toyotasouthafrica

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in overall 2014 Championship

• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Class S Championship


• Toyota 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th in Atlas Copco Gold 450 production vehicles


• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Atlas Copco Gold 450 Class S


• Toyota won all classes entered in all championships (cross country and rally) in 2014

In a race with more plot twists and heart-stopping moments than an afternoon soap opera, defending champions Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy added the 2014 Donaldson Cross Country Championship title to Castrol Team Toyota’s tally for the year. The pair finished fifth overall – high enough to bag the title – in the Atlas Copco Gold 450 after a disappointing qualifying round that saw them start the race from the back of the field.

“Anthony and Dennis really drove an amazing race,” said Team Principal Glyn Hall after the final event of the season. “They had to take part in the mass start, but they fought back relentlessly and finished 5^th when the dust settled. Enough to win the 2014 title by what turned out to be a comfortable margin in the end.”

Taylor/Murphy was embroiled in a battle for the title with the Malalane Toyota crew of Johan and Werner Horn, who ironically campaign Taylor’s championship-winning Toyota Hilux from 2013. Just 14 points separated the 2 teams before the final round, and when things didn’t go according to plan for Taylor/Murphy in the prologue, which determines the all-important start positions for the main event, it was clear that the fight was going to go to the wire.

“A rogue rock damaged one of our rear brake lines early in the prologue,” explains Taylor. “We lost nearly half an hour as we sorted things out, and even though we eventually got going again we had to settle for the mass start – not the place from which to win a championship.”

But champions don’t become champions because they lack tenacity, and Taylor/Murphy are proven champions. So they fought back throughout the 350 km route of the main event, overtaking an impressive number of competitors in the process, and placing themselves in a position to capitalise on any problems the front-runners may have. Their tenacity paid off, as they finished in 5^th place – just 2 spots behind the Horn brothers, and enough to secure their second title on the trot.

Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie, in the second Castrol Team Toyota Hilux started strong. Despite suffering a puncture in the prologue, the pair posted a time just 6 minutes off the leading pace, and they came out of the blocks charging hard in the main event. An unfortunate accident near a road crossing saw them collide with one of the special vehicles ahead of them, which caused significant damage to their Toyota Hilux’s oil cooling system. They were forced to retire, and as a result had to settle for 4th overall in the championship.

In Class S for older-spec race vehicles it was 4×4 Megaworld’s Deon Venter and Jaco van Aardt, who took class honours in their Toyota Hilux, pipping newly crowned class champions Jannie Visser and Joks le Roux (Ruwacon Racing Toyota Hilux) by 10 minutes. Despite the class win, Venter/Van Aardt had to settle for second place in the championship.

“We are overjoyed by our motorsport results this year,” says Hall. “Thanks to the great results achieved by some of the privateers who also race Toyota products, we have won every single class we entered in 2014, in both the South African National Rally Championship and the Donaldson Cross-Country championship.”

Leeroy Poulter and Elvéne Coetzee bagged the South African National Rally Championship title in their Castrol Team Toyota Yaris S2000, while Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy-Lyle achieved the same in Class S1600 (Yato Toyota Etios R2). In the Cross Country Championship it was Taylor/Murphy in Class T (the top class for production vehicles), and Visser/Le Roux in Class S.

“It was a fantastic year for us,” says newly crowned champion Anthony Taylor. “The team did an amazing job, and the Hilux was as reliable as ever. What a feeling to win 2 championships in a row!”

Castrol Team Toyota fielded the 2 newly built Dakar Toyota Hilux race vehicles on the Atlas Copco Gold 450. These same vehicles will depart for South America on December 15^th, and be on the start line for the world’s toughest motor race on January 4^th 2015.

Also view:

Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Toyota Motorsport South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors and Specialist Official Supplier and Technical Partners

Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Castrol, Toyota Financial Services, Imperial Toyota Group, Innovation Group, Bosch, DeWalt, Donaldson, Edgecam, Ferodo, 4×4 Mega World, FreeM, NGK, Robor, SKF and Spanjaard.

Follow the fortunes of Castrol Team Toyota on Twitter, www.twitter.com/toyotasa; and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/toyotasouthafrica

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in overall 2014 Championship

• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Class S Championship


• Toyota 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th in Atlas Copco Gold 450 production vehicles


• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Atlas Copco Gold 450 Class S


• Toyota won all classes entered in all championships (cross country and rally) in 2014

In a race with more plot twists and heart-stopping moments than an afternoon soap opera, defending champions Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy added the 2014 Donaldson Cross Country Championship title to Castrol Team Toyota’s tally for the year. The pair finished fifth overall – high enough to bag the title – in the Atlas Copco Gold 450 after a disappointing qualifying round that saw them start the race from the back of the field.

“Anthony and Dennis really drove an amazing race,” said Team Principal Glyn Hall after the final event of the season. “They had to take part in the mass start, but they fought back relentlessly and finished 5^th when the dust settled. Enough to win the 2014 title by what turned out to be a comfortable margin in the end.”

Taylor/Murphy was embroiled in a battle for the title with the Malalane Toyota crew of Johan and Werner Horn, who ironically campaign Taylor’s championship-winning Toyota Hilux from 2013. Just 14 points separated the 2 teams before the final round, and when things didn’t go according to plan for Taylor/Murphy in the prologue, which determines the all-important start positions for the main event, it was clear that the fight was going to go to the wire.

“A rogue rock damaged one of our rear brake lines early in the prologue,” explains Taylor. “We lost nearly half an hour as we sorted things out, and even though we eventually got going again we had to settle for the mass start – not the place from which to win a championship.”

But champions don’t become champions because they lack tenacity, and Taylor/Murphy are proven champions. So they fought back throughout the 350 km route of the main event, overtaking an impressive number of competitors in the process, and placing themselves in a position to capitalise on any problems the front-runners may have. Their tenacity paid off, as they finished in 5^th place – just 2 spots behind the Horn brothers, and enough to secure their second title on the trot.

Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie, in the second Castrol Team Toyota Hilux started strong. Despite suffering a puncture in the prologue, the pair posted a time just 6 minutes off the leading pace, and they came out of the blocks charging hard in the main event. An unfortunate accident near a road crossing saw them collide with one of the special vehicles ahead of them, which caused significant damage to their Toyota Hilux’s oil cooling system. They were forced to retire, and as a result had to settle for 4th overall in the championship.

In Class S for older-spec race vehicles it was 4×4 Megaworld’s Deon Venter and Jaco van Aardt, who took class honours in their Toyota Hilux, pipping newly crowned class champions Jannie Visser and Joks le Roux (Ruwacon Racing Toyota Hilux) by 10 minutes. Despite the class win, Venter/Van Aardt had to settle for second place in the championship.

“We are overjoyed by our motorsport results this year,” says Hall. “Thanks to the great results achieved by some of the privateers who also race Toyota products, we have won every single class we entered in 2014, in both the South African National Rally Championship and the Donaldson Cross-Country championship.”

Leeroy Poulter and Elvéne Coetzee bagged the South African National Rally Championship title in their Castrol Team Toyota Yaris S2000, while Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy-Lyle achieved the same in Class S1600 (Yato Toyota Etios R2). In the Cross Country Championship it was Taylor/Murphy in Class T (the top class for production vehicles), and Visser/Le Roux in Class S.

“It was a fantastic year for us,” says newly crowned champion Anthony Taylor. “The team did an amazing job, and the Hilux was as reliable as ever. What a feeling to win 2 championships in a row!”

Castrol Team Toyota fielded the 2 newly built Dakar Toyota Hilux race vehicles on the Atlas Copco Gold 450. These same vehicles will depart for South America on December 15^th, and be on the start line for the world’s toughest motor race on January 4^th 2015.

Also view:

Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Toyota Motorsport South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors and Specialist Official Supplier and Technical Partners

Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Castrol, Toyota Financial Services, Imperial Toyota Group, Innovation Group, Bosch, DeWalt, Donaldson, Edgecam, Ferodo, 4×4 Mega World, FreeM, NGK, Robor, SKF and Spanjaard.

Follow the fortunes of Castrol Team Toyota on Twitter, www.twitter.com/toyotasa; and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/toyotasouthafrica

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in overall 2014 Championship

• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Class S Championship


• Toyota 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th in Atlas Copco Gold 450 production vehicles


• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Atlas Copco Gold 450 Class S


• Toyota won all classes entered in all championships (cross country and rally) in 2014

In a race with more plot twists and heart-stopping moments than an afternoon soap opera, defending champions Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy added the 2014 Donaldson Cross Country Championship title to Castrol Team Toyota’s tally for the year. The pair finished fifth overall – high enough to bag the title – in the Atlas Copco Gold 450 after a disappointing qualifying round that saw them start the race from the back of the field.

“Anthony and Dennis really drove an amazing race,” said Team Principal Glyn Hall after the final event of the season. “They had to take part in the mass start, but they fought back relentlessly and finished 5^th when the dust settled. Enough to win the 2014 title by what turned out to be a comfortable margin in the end.”

Taylor/Murphy was embroiled in a battle for the title with the Malalane Toyota crew of Johan and Werner Horn, who ironically campaign Taylor’s championship-winning Toyota Hilux from 2013. Just 14 points separated the 2 teams before the final round, and when things didn’t go according to plan for Taylor/Murphy in the prologue, which determines the all-important start positions for the main event, it was clear that the fight was going to go to the wire.

“A rogue rock damaged one of our rear brake lines early in the prologue,” explains Taylor. “We lost nearly half an hour as we sorted things out, and even though we eventually got going again we had to settle for the mass start – not the place from which to win a championship.”

But champions don’t become champions because they lack tenacity, and Taylor/Murphy are proven champions. So they fought back throughout the 350 km route of the main event, overtaking an impressive number of competitors in the process, and placing themselves in a position to capitalise on any problems the front-runners may have. Their tenacity paid off, as they finished in 5^th place – just 2 spots behind the Horn brothers, and enough to secure their second title on the trot.

Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie, in the second Castrol Team Toyota Hilux started strong. Despite suffering a puncture in the prologue, the pair posted a time just 6 minutes off the leading pace, and they came out of the blocks charging hard in the main event. An unfortunate accident near a road crossing saw them collide with one of the special vehicles ahead of them, which caused significant damage to their Toyota Hilux’s oil cooling system. They were forced to retire, and as a result had to settle for 4th overall in the championship.

In Class S for older-spec race vehicles it was 4×4 Megaworld’s Deon Venter and Jaco van Aardt, who took class honours in their Toyota Hilux, pipping newly crowned class champions Jannie Visser and Joks le Roux (Ruwacon Racing Toyota Hilux) by 10 minutes. Despite the class win, Venter/Van Aardt had to settle for second place in the championship.

“We are overjoyed by our motorsport results this year,” says Hall. “Thanks to the great results achieved by some of the privateers who also race Toyota products, we have won every single class we entered in 2014, in both the South African National Rally Championship and the Donaldson Cross-Country championship.”

Leeroy Poulter and Elvéne Coetzee bagged the South African National Rally Championship title in their Castrol Team Toyota Yaris S2000, while Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy-Lyle achieved the same in Class S1600 (Yato Toyota Etios R2). In the Cross Country Championship it was Taylor/Murphy in Class T (the top class for production vehicles), and Visser/Le Roux in Class S.

“It was a fantastic year for us,” says newly crowned champion Anthony Taylor. “The team did an amazing job, and the Hilux was as reliable as ever. What a feeling to win 2 championships in a row!”

Castrol Team Toyota fielded the 2 newly built Dakar Toyota Hilux race vehicles on the Atlas Copco Gold 450. These same vehicles will depart for South America on December 15^th, and be on the start line for the world’s toughest motor race on January 4^th 2015.

Also view:

Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Toyota Motorsport South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors and Specialist Official Supplier and Technical Partners

Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Castrol, Toyota Financial Services, Imperial Toyota Group, Innovation Group, Bosch, DeWalt, Donaldson, Edgecam, Ferodo, 4×4 Mega World, FreeM, NGK, Robor, SKF and Spanjaard.

Follow the fortunes of Castrol Team Toyota on Twitter, www.twitter.com/toyotasa; and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/toyotasouthafrica

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in overall 2014 Championship

• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Class S Championship


• Toyota 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th in Atlas Copco Gold 450 production vehicles


• Toyota 1^st and 2^nd in Atlas Copco Gold 450 Class S


• Toyota won all classes entered in all championships (cross country and rally) in 2014

In a race with more plot twists and heart-stopping moments than an afternoon soap opera, defending champions Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy added the 2014 Donaldson Cross Country Championship title to Castrol Team Toyota’s tally for the year. The pair finished fifth overall – high enough to bag the title – in the Atlas Copco Gold 450 after a disappointing qualifying round that saw them start the race from the back of the field.

“Anthony and Dennis really drove an amazing race,” said Team Principal Glyn Hall after the final event of the season. “They had to take part in the mass start, but they fought back relentlessly and finished 5^th when the dust settled. Enough to win the 2014 title by what turned out to be a comfortable margin in the end.”

Taylor/Murphy was embroiled in a battle for the title with the Malalane Toyota crew of Johan and Werner Horn, who ironically campaign Taylor’s championship-winning Toyota Hilux from 2013. Just 14 points separated the 2 teams before the final round, and when things didn’t go according to plan for Taylor/Murphy in the prologue, which determines the all-important start positions for the main event, it was clear that the fight was going to go to the wire.

“A rogue rock damaged one of our rear brake lines early in the prologue,” explains Taylor. “We lost nearly half an hour as we sorted things out, and even though we eventually got going again we had to settle for the mass start – not the place from which to win a championship.”

But champions don’t become champions because they lack tenacity, and Taylor/Murphy are proven champions. So they fought back throughout the 350 km route of the main event, overtaking an impressive number of competitors in the process, and placing themselves in a position to capitalise on any problems the front-runners may have. Their tenacity paid off, as they finished in 5^th place – just 2 spots behind the Horn brothers, and enough to secure their second title on the trot.

Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie, in the second Castrol Team Toyota Hilux started strong. Despite suffering a puncture in the prologue, the pair posted a time just 6 minutes off the leading pace, and they came out of the blocks charging hard in the main event. An unfortunate accident near a road crossing saw them collide with one of the special vehicles ahead of them, which caused significant damage to their Toyota Hilux’s oil cooling system. They were forced to retire, and as a result had to settle for 4th overall in the championship.

In Class S for older-spec race vehicles it was 4×4 Megaworld’s Deon Venter and Jaco van Aardt, who took class honours in their Toyota Hilux, pipping newly crowned class champions Jannie Visser and Joks le Roux (Ruwacon Racing Toyota Hilux) by 10 minutes. Despite the class win, Venter/Van Aardt had to settle for second place in the championship.

“We are overjoyed by our motorsport results this year,” says Hall. “Thanks to the great results achieved by some of the privateers who also race Toyota products, we have won every single class we entered in 2014, in both the South African National Rally Championship and the Donaldson Cross-Country championship.”

Leeroy Poulter and Elvéne Coetzee bagged the South African National Rally Championship title in their Castrol Team Toyota Yaris S2000, while Guy Botterill and Simon Vacy-Lyle achieved the same in Class S1600 (Yato Toyota Etios R2). In the Cross Country Championship it was Taylor/Murphy in Class T (the top class for production vehicles), and Visser/Le Roux in Class S.

“It was a fantastic year for us,” says newly crowned champion Anthony Taylor. “The team did an amazing job, and the Hilux was as reliable as ever. What a feeling to win 2 championships in a row!”

Castrol Team Toyota fielded the 2 newly built Dakar Toyota Hilux race vehicles on the Atlas Copco Gold 450. These same vehicles will depart for South America on December 15^th, and be on the start line for the world’s toughest motor race on January 4^th 2015.

Also view:

Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Toyota Motorsport South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors and Specialist Official Supplier and Technical Partners

Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Castrol, Toyota Financial Services, Imperial Toyota Group, Innovation Group, Bosch, DeWalt, Donaldson, Edgecam, Ferodo, 4×4 Mega World, FreeM, NGK, Robor, SKF and Spanjaard.

Follow the fortunes of Castrol Team Toyota on Twitter, www.twitter.com/toyotasa; and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/toyotasouthafrica

Castrol Team Toyota clinches Donaldson Cross Country Championship

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

• All-road, all-weather capability and rugged design


• Sporty driving style with ‘go-anywhere’; capability


• Extends Volvo’;s acclaimed Cross Country product line-up

Volvo Cars unveiled its much-anticipated Cross Country version of the beautiful Volvo V60 sportswagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show this month.

“We are delighted to add the third true Cross Country model to our product portfolio. The successful combination of dynamic styling and rugged capability places the Volvo V60 Cross Country in a class of its own,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

Heritage

Volvo’;s Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage. Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the Volvo V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public.

Continuing this proud heritage, and reflecting Volvo’;s Scandinavian elegance, love of nature and adventure, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

Sporty capability

“With ground clearance increased by 65mm compared to the standard Volvo V60, the Cross Country’;s sturdy construction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with a sporty drive thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control. The Volvo V60 Cross Country really is the ideal getaway car – enabling an adventurous lifestyle in pure rugged form,” said Lex Kerssemakers.

Available with new Cross Country 18″ and 19″ wheels, the Volvo V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tyres, adding comfort and off-road aesthetics, reducing road noise and providing added wheel protection whether climbing those pesky kerbs or negotiating rocky roads.

Rugged individualist design

Central to Volvo’;s Cross Country concept is the expression of go-anywhere capability and rugged design. It caters to those who have an active lifestyle, favour dirt roads over paved, and want a car that handles either with ease. This is manifested in the Volvo V60 Cross Country through explicit design cues that heighten the adventurous nature of the car. With increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders, the Volvo V60 Cross Country conveys an imposing, muscular presence that underlies its capable nature, while integrated tailpipes reflect its sporty dark side. To complement the capable exterior styling, sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching, as well as 2 new 2-tone leather upholsteries, will be offered.

Powertrains

The US and Canada will get the first Volvo V60 Cross Countrys, and they will launch with Volvo’;s iconic 5 cylinder 242kW T6 petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled with an automatic transmission.

South Africa

The new Volvo V60 Cross Country is expected to arrive in the second half of 2015 and will be available in 2 AWD derivatives:

• Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD (130 kW) Automatic


• Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD (187 kW) Automatic

Detailed specification and pricing will be available closer to the local launch.

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

• All-road, all-weather capability and rugged design


• Sporty driving style with ‘go-anywhere’; capability


• Extends Volvo’;s acclaimed Cross Country product line-up

Volvo Cars unveiled its much-anticipated Cross Country version of the beautiful Volvo V60 sportswagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show this month.

“We are delighted to add the third true Cross Country model to our product portfolio. The successful combination of dynamic styling and rugged capability places the Volvo V60 Cross Country in a class of its own,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

Heritage

Volvo’;s Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage. Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the Volvo V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public.

Continuing this proud heritage, and reflecting Volvo’;s Scandinavian elegance, love of nature and adventure, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

Sporty capability

“With ground clearance increased by 65mm compared to the standard Volvo V60, the Cross Country’;s sturdy construction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with a sporty drive thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control. The Volvo V60 Cross Country really is the ideal getaway car – enabling an adventurous lifestyle in pure rugged form,” said Lex Kerssemakers.

Available with new Cross Country 18″ and 19″ wheels, the Volvo V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tyres, adding comfort and off-road aesthetics, reducing road noise and providing added wheel protection whether climbing those pesky kerbs or negotiating rocky roads.

Rugged individualist design

Central to Volvo’;s Cross Country concept is the expression of go-anywhere capability and rugged design. It caters to those who have an active lifestyle, favour dirt roads over paved, and want a car that handles either with ease. This is manifested in the Volvo V60 Cross Country through explicit design cues that heighten the adventurous nature of the car. With increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders, the Volvo V60 Cross Country conveys an imposing, muscular presence that underlies its capable nature, while integrated tailpipes reflect its sporty dark side. To complement the capable exterior styling, sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching, as well as 2 new 2-tone leather upholsteries, will be offered.

Powertrains

The US and Canada will get the first Volvo V60 Cross Countrys, and they will launch with Volvo’;s iconic 5 cylinder 242kW T6 petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled with an automatic transmission.

South Africa

The new Volvo V60 Cross Country is expected to arrive in the second half of 2015 and will be available in 2 AWD derivatives:

• Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD (130 kW) Automatic


• Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD (187 kW) Automatic

Detailed specification and pricing will be available closer to the local launch.

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

• All-road, all-weather capability and rugged design


• Sporty driving style with ‘go-anywhere’; capability


• Extends Volvo’;s acclaimed Cross Country product line-up

Volvo Cars unveiled its much-anticipated Cross Country version of the beautiful Volvo V60 sportswagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show this month.

“We are delighted to add the third true Cross Country model to our product portfolio. The successful combination of dynamic styling and rugged capability places the Volvo V60 Cross Country in a class of its own,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

Heritage

Volvo’;s Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage. Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the Volvo V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public.

Continuing this proud heritage, and reflecting Volvo’;s Scandinavian elegance, love of nature and adventure, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

Sporty capability

“With ground clearance increased by 65mm compared to the standard Volvo V60, the Cross Country’;s sturdy construction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with a sporty drive thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control. The Volvo V60 Cross Country really is the ideal getaway car – enabling an adventurous lifestyle in pure rugged form,” said Lex Kerssemakers.

Available with new Cross Country 18″ and 19″ wheels, the Volvo V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tyres, adding comfort and off-road aesthetics, reducing road noise and providing added wheel protection whether climbing those pesky kerbs or negotiating rocky roads.

Rugged individualist design

Central to Volvo’;s Cross Country concept is the expression of go-anywhere capability and rugged design. It caters to those who have an active lifestyle, favour dirt roads over paved, and want a car that handles either with ease. This is manifested in the Volvo V60 Cross Country through explicit design cues that heighten the adventurous nature of the car. With increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders, the Volvo V60 Cross Country conveys an imposing, muscular presence that underlies its capable nature, while integrated tailpipes reflect its sporty dark side. To complement the capable exterior styling, sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching, as well as 2 new 2-tone leather upholsteries, will be offered.

Powertrains

The US and Canada will get the first Volvo V60 Cross Countrys, and they will launch with Volvo’;s iconic 5 cylinder 242kW T6 petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled with an automatic transmission.

South Africa

The new Volvo V60 Cross Country is expected to arrive in the second half of 2015 and will be available in 2 AWD derivatives:

• Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD (130 kW) Automatic


• Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD (187 kW) Automatic

Detailed specification and pricing will be available closer to the local launch.

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

• All-road, all-weather capability and rugged design


• Sporty driving style with ‘go-anywhere’; capability


• Extends Volvo’;s acclaimed Cross Country product line-up

Volvo Cars unveiled its much-anticipated Cross Country version of the beautiful Volvo V60 sportswagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show this month.

“We are delighted to add the third true Cross Country model to our product portfolio. The successful combination of dynamic styling and rugged capability places the Volvo V60 Cross Country in a class of its own,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

Heritage

Volvo’;s Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage. Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the Volvo V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public.

Continuing this proud heritage, and reflecting Volvo’;s Scandinavian elegance, love of nature and adventure, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

Sporty capability

“With ground clearance increased by 65mm compared to the standard Volvo V60, the Cross Country’;s sturdy construction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with a sporty drive thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control. The Volvo V60 Cross Country really is the ideal getaway car – enabling an adventurous lifestyle in pure rugged form,” said Lex Kerssemakers.

Available with new Cross Country 18″ and 19″ wheels, the Volvo V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tyres, adding comfort and off-road aesthetics, reducing road noise and providing added wheel protection whether climbing those pesky kerbs or negotiating rocky roads.

Rugged individualist design

Central to Volvo’;s Cross Country concept is the expression of go-anywhere capability and rugged design. It caters to those who have an active lifestyle, favour dirt roads over paved, and want a car that handles either with ease. This is manifested in the Volvo V60 Cross Country through explicit design cues that heighten the adventurous nature of the car. With increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders, the Volvo V60 Cross Country conveys an imposing, muscular presence that underlies its capable nature, while integrated tailpipes reflect its sporty dark side. To complement the capable exterior styling, sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching, as well as 2 new 2-tone leather upholsteries, will be offered.

Powertrains

The US and Canada will get the first Volvo V60 Cross Countrys, and they will launch with Volvo’;s iconic 5 cylinder 242kW T6 petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled with an automatic transmission.

South Africa

The new Volvo V60 Cross Country is expected to arrive in the second half of 2015 and will be available in 2 AWD derivatives:

• Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD (130 kW) Automatic


• Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD (187 kW) Automatic

Detailed specification and pricing will be available closer to the local launch.

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

• All-road, all-weather capability and rugged design


• Sporty driving style with ‘go-anywhere’; capability


• Extends Volvo’;s acclaimed Cross Country product line-up

Volvo Cars unveiled its much-anticipated Cross Country version of the beautiful Volvo V60 sportswagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show this month.

“We are delighted to add the third true Cross Country model to our product portfolio. The successful combination of dynamic styling and rugged capability places the Volvo V60 Cross Country in a class of its own,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

Heritage

Volvo’;s Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage. Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the Volvo V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public.

Continuing this proud heritage, and reflecting Volvo’;s Scandinavian elegance, love of nature and adventure, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

Sporty capability

“With ground clearance increased by 65mm compared to the standard Volvo V60, the Cross Country’;s sturdy construction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with a sporty drive thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control. The Volvo V60 Cross Country really is the ideal getaway car – enabling an adventurous lifestyle in pure rugged form,” said Lex Kerssemakers.

Available with new Cross Country 18″ and 19″ wheels, the Volvo V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tyres, adding comfort and off-road aesthetics, reducing road noise and providing added wheel protection whether climbing those pesky kerbs or negotiating rocky roads.

Rugged individualist design

Central to Volvo’;s Cross Country concept is the expression of go-anywhere capability and rugged design. It caters to those who have an active lifestyle, favour dirt roads over paved, and want a car that handles either with ease. This is manifested in the Volvo V60 Cross Country through explicit design cues that heighten the adventurous nature of the car. With increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders, the Volvo V60 Cross Country conveys an imposing, muscular presence that underlies its capable nature, while integrated tailpipes reflect its sporty dark side. To complement the capable exterior styling, sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching, as well as 2 new 2-tone leather upholsteries, will be offered.

Powertrains

The US and Canada will get the first Volvo V60 Cross Countrys, and they will launch with Volvo’;s iconic 5 cylinder 242kW T6 petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled with an automatic transmission.

South Africa

The new Volvo V60 Cross Country is expected to arrive in the second half of 2015 and will be available in 2 AWD derivatives:

• Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD (130 kW) Automatic


• Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD (187 kW) Automatic

Detailed specification and pricing will be available closer to the local launch.

Volvo Cars reveals new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car

Volvo V40 Cross Country AWD receives powertrain upgrade

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) rugged all-road capability


• Reduced emissions and improved fuel economy


• Powertrain upgrade completes a series of enhancements

The Volvo V40 Cross Country will soon be available with Volvo’;s superb new 180 kW T5 Drive-E engine ­­- with the added capability of AWD.

“Volvo Cars is continuing to evolve the V40 Cross Country with this powertrain upgrade. The combination of the Drive-E T5 engine with AWD will give adventurous customers the power to explore, and all the control they need to be confident in all road conditions,” says Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

With 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque, the Volvo V40 Cross Country delivers excellent power and capability. In addition to the new engine’;s refinement and fuel-efficient driveability, Volvo’;s new 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift makes the Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD Drive-E one of the most luxurious, stylish and capable cross countries on the market.

Impressive C02 reductions

Since the introduction last year, Volvo Cars’; ground-breaking 4-cylinder Drive-E engines have been widely praised for their unique ability to combine power and efficiency with an extremely small footprint.

The new Drive-E powertrain reduces the Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD’;s emissions to an impressive 149 g/km ­- a level unmatched by the Audi Q3 TFSI Quattro (179 g/km), the BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine auto (170 g/km) or the Mercedez-Benz B-class (SUV) 220 Sport 4MATIC DCT (156 g/km).

Refinement

This powertrain upgrade continues the series of enhancements that have been made to the Volvo V40 Cross Country this year. Other refinements / additions include new 19″ Damara alloy wheel with grey diamond-cut rims, delivering not only extra comfort and off-road capability, but also less noise and added rim protection; a new exterior colour, Power Blue, as well as the updated on-board infotainment and navigation system, Sensus Connect, providing customers with a fully connected car.

South Africa

The Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD Drive-E is expected to arrive in SA early next year. Full specification and pricing details will be confirmed closer to the time.

;

Technical Data

Engine:            In-line 4-cylinder, 16V, DOHC, HP Turbocharger, AWD

Gearbox:          8-speed Geartronic AWD

Power:             180 kW

Torque:            350Nm

0-100 km/h:     6.1

Top speed:        limited to 210 km/h

Volvo V40 Cross Country AWD receives powertrain upgrade

Toyota reveals all-new Etios Cross

Combining the rugged good looks of an SUV with the fluent drive, fuel efficiency and maneuverability of a hatch, the all-new Toyota Etios Cross is ready to write another chapter in this budget beater’;s success story.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing, says: “The Etios delivers exactly what customers want – car-like efficiency and typical crossover styling traits at an affordable price point. It marks our entry into yet another category in the diverse and fast growing sub-B segment of the car market. The expressive Etios family now comprises a sedan, a hatch, and the youthfully rugged Cross in its budget-oriented arsenal. Naturally it also comes with the globally renowned promise of Toyota’;s QDR (Quality, Durability & Reliability) standards.”

The Etios success story

In less than 2 years, Etios has racked up sales in excess of 45000 units and in the process has become entrenched in the South African automotive lexicon, regularly charting on the top 3 bestsellers list.

Etios can claim a number of ‘bests’;, including taking the title for top-selling sub-B segment sedan as well as being Toyota South Africa’;s best-selling passenger car range. In fact such is the success of Etios (currently sitting at close to 30% of the sub-B passenger car market) that Toyota has been able to recapture much of the Tazz sales volume that it enjoyed prior to the discontinuation of that model in 2007.

Much of the success of Etios can be attributed to 5 main factors:

1. Engine performance – a major purchase driver for Etios is its engine size. Boasting a 16-valve DOHC 1.5-litre engine, all models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Outputs are pegged at 66kW of power @ 5600 rpm and 132Nm of torque @ 3000 rpm. This translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 11,3 seconds for all models including the new Cross. An excellent power to weight ratio also contributes to its sparkling performance.


2. Fuel consumption – despite the bigger capacity powerplant and the impressive performance, the Etios still returns a laudable average consumption of just 6.0L/100km.


3. Space – the rear seat can be classified as a true 3-seater due to its expanded flat design which maximizes space, and improves ease of entry and exit for 3 adults. The rear floor is also flat, maximising the space for the passenger in the middle seat. In addition, the Etios boasts a multitude of practical interior storage spaces including 6 cup holders that can accommodate 1-litre sized bottles as well as a 13-litre glove box with a cooling function. The sedan features a best-in-class boot capacity of 562 litres.


4. Peace of Mind – it’;s a Toyota and that means that Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) are a given. Backing this up is a full complement of safety kit including ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and an immobiliser.


5. Affordable price – the Etios is still one of the most competitively priced vehicle ranges. Prices start from R127 800 for the Etios Xi hatch (with air con), topping out at R159 800 for the new Etios Cross.

It’;s worth noting too that Etios has benefitted from continuous refinement of the package. These evolutionary upgrades to date have included:

• A new grille design


• Colour coding across the range for door mirrors and handles


• A new aero design exterior mirror featuring aero stabilising fins


• A new tail lamp design


• New front seat design including adjustable headrests for Xs models


• Re-profiled rear seat design with fully adjustable headrests (Xs)


• Auto Up electric window function on the driver’;s door


• Redesigned central instrument cluster with Ice Blue backlighting, enlarged LCD display for enhanced clarity and digital clock – the latter is on Xs models only


• Lights-on warning as well as seat belt and door ajar warning buzzers (Xs)


• All-new 2-DIN Toyota audio system fitted as standard to Xs models (Xi variants pre-wired for door speakers as well as instrument panel speakers. An antenna pole is standard across the range)


• Ergonomically and aesthetically enhanced ventilation controls


• Improved NVH package which included a switch from rubber engine mounts to more refined, sound-absorbing hydraulic mounts. The silencer was also modified for enhanced insulation and the damper settings were adjusted to filter out suspension noise and improve ride quality.

Now let’;s cross-examine the newcomer.

Thanks to a raft of body and cabin modifications and embellishments, the new Etios Cross allows buyers to tap into the tough image of an SUV without incurring the cost. With the focus firmly on practicality and efficiency, the Cross is just as user-friendly as its standard brethren but with the added robust appeal of a crossover.

The new Etios Cross is based on the Xs hatch, which is generously endowed when it comes to specifications. Here’;s a brief rundown of the key standard features of the Etios range:

-       Electric power steering

-       Air conditioning with clean air filter

-       Power windows (Xs – rear windows as well)

-       Rear window demister with wiper (Xs)

-       Double Din audio system with USB and AUX-in ports (Xs)

-       Fog lights (Xs)

-       Remote central locking (Xs)

-       ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and immobiliser

Key exterior features (over and above the Xs grade)

• The masculine face of Etios Cross comes courtesy of a distended new grille design in matt black incorporating an unusual powder grey grille guard that extends all the way into the bumpers, mimicking the appearance of bumper overriders.


• The chunky anthracite front bumper is further enhanced by oversized fog lamps with integrated turn indicators and accented in a grey frame. The Etios Cross also gets a ribbed front scuff plate – once again in powder grey.


• Completing the front end is a revised headlight cluster with a fuller design which melds better with the new grille.


• In profile, the Etios Cross gets the full “off road” treatment in the form of black cladding (with embossed Etios Cross logos) which extends halfway up the doors. Silver shaded accent garnishes adorn the lip of the cladding.


• Prominently protruding matt black over fenders clad the wheelarches, providing visual continuity and further amping up the newcomer’;s ‘SUV’; persona.


• Re-designed side mirrors feature turn indicators.


• Bringing up the rear, the back door gets a stylish garnish strip with embossed Etios Cross logo. Mirroring the frontal treatment, the rear likewise gets a new matt black bumper with a trapezoidal silver grey, ribbed scuff plate. The tail lights are also unique to the Cross and feature prominent ‘puzzle piece’; reverse light lenses.


• Final touches to further beef up the Etios Cross include a roof spoiler, multi-spoke diamond-cut 15″ alloys and a set of roof rails also finished in the de rigeur powdery silver. The latter are fully functional and able to support 50 kg of luggage or even a bicycle.


• 2 new colours are exclusive to the Etios Cross – Inferno Metallic (a vivid orange) and Jet Grey Metallic.

Key interior features (over and above the Xs grade)

• Inside, the Cross edition gets all-black interiors with new sporty seat fabrics featuring special white stitching and embroidered Etios Cross logos.


• A tech-enhanced, upgraded double din audio system – as with the unit found on Xs models, this system comes with USB and AUX-in ports but adds extra functionality in the form of Bluetooth to facilitate hands-free mobile phone operation.


• To further uplift the cabin appeal the dashboard receives piano black metallic finishing and chrome detailing around the air vents.

Pricing (incl. 2-year / 30 000km service plan)

Etios 1.5 Xi Hatch (with air con)         -           R127 800 (incl. VAT)

Etios 1.5 Xs Hatch                               -           R136 800

Etios 1.5 Xi Sedan                               -           R134 500

Etios 1.5 Xs Sedan                              -           R143 000

Etios Cross 1.5                                    -           R159 800

Toyota reveals all-new Etios Cross