Nicely, that only took 10 years. In an interview with Automotive News, a Ford top executive has acknowledged that Lincoln’s MK-based naming structure is confusing and that the overwhelmingly constructive reaction to the Continental name’s revival may have the company rethinking its naming policy. From our point of view, MKC, MKT, MKZ, MKS, and MKX are difficult to inform apart, and we’d welcome the shift. It’s also fairly noteworthy, because the business as a whole is nevertheless tumbling down the rabbit hole of meaningless and typically mind-boggling nomenclature.
Compare Lincoln’s past nameplates—such as Zephyr, Town Vehicle, Aviator, and Navigator (oh wait, Lincoln nonetheless makes use of that 1)—to MK-what ever and it’s no contest. When Lincoln very first introduced its MK naming scheme in 2006, the models have been to be referred to phonetically as “Mark X,” “Mark Z,” “Mark T,” and so on. That thought seemingly collapsed in on itself within weeks of the announcement, resulting in Lincoln’s present “em-kay” setup.
The reality that Lincoln appears to be making definitive steps toward anything sensical has us excited at the comments that Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Company’s president of the Americas, produced to Automotive News. He told the outlet: “Without divulging the future . . . we’re extremely excited about the Continental name and the interest it’s gotten,” ahead of adding that “another way Lincoln could distinguish itself is to leverage its heritage. So I’ll leave it at that.”
We contacted Lincoln and have been told that Hinrichs’s comments might not indicate that Lincoln truly will revert back to its historical names, only that the brand is “leaving the door open for future solution.” It sounds as if any name considerations will be taken on a model-by-model basis, not brand-wide, as the Lincoln rep stated that it probably wouldn’t be “a one-size-fits-all technique.”
1 aspect of a prospective nomenclature shift that we particularly like is that it is not as rigid as, say, Cadillac’s, which buckets vehicles into CT- and XT- designations depending on physique style (only the mega-selling Escalade was granted an exemption). And obtaining a actual, evocative name on at least 2 cars in the lineup—Continental and Navigator—builds on the momentum following Lincoln’s rebranding itself as the “Lincoln Motor Business.” Stir in Lincoln’s pampering new Black Label ownership experience and car-customization plan, and the brand could be on its way to altering its reputation as simply a purveyor of nice Fords.
With the reveal of the sixth-generation Camaro looming, Chevrolet has fired up the hype machine, dropping tiny tidbits of details and releasing this teaser video, in the hopes of bringing the level of anticipation to a boil. The most current crumb to emerge is the logo pictured right here, a definitively contemporary take on the red, white, and blue tri-bar logo that graced a lot of a Camaro of yore. It is protected to assume that the logo will be rendered in badge type to take it is rightful spot on the nose–and/or flanks, gas cap, door panel, essential fob, and other locations–of the newly minted pony vehicle as it did in years previous.
Though the badge is cool, here’s one thing cooler: Chevrolet will unveil the hotly anticipated 2016 Camaro on Might 16, in its hometown of Detroit. Scheduled as the highlight of a daylong celebration (Camaropalooza?) on Belle Isle, the event will incorporate a display of the most important automobiles from the the brand’s history, hot-lap rides about the 2015 Belle Isle Grand Prix course in a 2015 Camaro Z/28, and a meet and greet with Camaro designers. Very best of all for Camaro owners, they get preferential parking.
Possibly the greatest news of all is that the occasion is free, and Chevrolet desires you to be a component of it. Space is limited, however, and registration is essential. Additionally, priority will be provided to those who agree to bring their Camaros to Belle Isle. So if your blood runs Ford blue or you have a Mustang tattooed on your face, you are probably not going to be on the short list. For a lot more data or to register, visit www.thecamarosix.com.
Can I drive a commercial truck with link trailer if only back trailer has a load and front piece (trailer) is empty?
Answer:
You may as long as the total load on the vehicle does not exceed 5 x the mass of the driving axle/s of the vehicle. Reg 239(3) requires that the drive axle must weigh 1/5 of the total load. If the load on the rear trailer is the only mass on the vehicle there is a very good chance that you are going to be overloaded due to a drive axle under load.
In Iceland, a kid can be Neptúnus or Torbjörg or Geirþrúður, but you’ll never meet a Moon Unit or a Zuma Nesta Rock born in the island nation. New parents here must choose from a list of 3500 government-approved names or plead their case to the Icelandic Naming Committee, a 3-person panel tasked with preserving the country’s heritage and protecting its children from a lifetime of mockery.
As overbearing as that sounds, it’s too bad the committee doesn’t consult with automakers. The panel could have stopped Land Rover from abandoning years of history when, in 2005, it dropped the Discovery moniker and began adopting alphanumeric names for some of its models in the North American market. The Discovery became the LR3 (and eventually the LR4) and the compact Freelander was renamed LR2. But Land Rover is now righting its wrong on its own terms, as its newest crossover would almost certainly earn the approval of the Icelandic Naming Committee. The LR2 replacement—even as that model will be sold for at least one more year—is now called the Discovery Sport and is every bit worthy of the name. The entry-level Land Rover, now competent and handsome, no longer makes a mockery of the brand.
Toned, Tanned, and Ready to Sell
The Land Rover LR2 was an awkward and unloved thing. Fewer than 3700 American buyers took one home in 2014, accounting for just 6 percent of Land Rover sales. Starting at $ 37,995, the new Discovery Sport undercuts the all-wheel-drive BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 each by more than $ 2000, but we’re guessing the Land Rover will win sales based on looks alone. There isn’t a bad angle or errant crease on the Discovery Sport. Its sheetmetal is pulled taut over an athletic frame, creating a design so free of clutter that there isn’t even a reference to the rear bumper lurking under the skin.
The Discovery Sport stretches 3.7 inches longer than the LR2 and offers a third row of seats. It’s also about 9 inches longer than its kissing cousin, the Range Rover Evoque. And the fact that the Disco Sport doesn’t have a roofline as overtly aggressive as the Evoque’s means that headroom and outward visibility are significantly better.
The cabin is finished in typical Land Rover kit with excellent materials and a mediocre infotainment system. That’s significant, because the Discovery Sport is the first vehicle to use Jaguar Land Rover’s brand-new and desperately needed replacement for the fussy and stubborn system we’ve complained about for years. The new InControl system uses an 8.0-inch touch screen that looks sharp, with more color and crisper graphics than the current offering. However, all it takes is a few taps to the screen to realize that the underlying software is still slow to react and occasionally unresponsive altogether.
Press, Pause, Surge, Jerk
Ahead of the B-pillar, the Discovery Sport shares many of its mechanical bits with the Evoque, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 240-hp engine, designed and built by Ford, is slow to build boost off the line and isn’t as responsive as Audi and BMW’s turbo 4-cylinders. Yet once the turbocharger has spooled up, the Discovery Sport lunges ahead with up to 251 lb-ft of torque. We estimate the Sport, handicapped in part by a roughly 4400-pound curb weight, won’t quite match the sub-6-second zero-to-60-mph performances of its competition. Figure on the benchmark sprint taking 7.3 ticks or so.
The engine’s slight hesitations are exacerbated by a transmission that downshifts with uncomfortable, pregnant pauses between the accelerator input and the gear change. We’ve had the same complaint in other vehicles that use the same ZF-supplied transmission, including the Jeep Cherokee. Compared with the 6-speed unit it replaces, the 9-speed gearbox feels like a step backward. Full-throttle shifts from eighth gear to 4th at highway velocities feel as if they can be measured in full seconds. And while shift quality is smoother than in the Cherokee, the upshift from first to second is still accompanied by the same unpleasant jerk.
Between the engine’s lag and the transmission’s hesitations, it can be a challenge to drive the Discovery Sport smoothly. During part-throttle acceleration—to climb a hill, make a pass, or simply accelerate for a rising speed limit—the Sport takes its time responding before suddenly delivering too much oomph. The result is an unseemly surge that will make your passengers think you’re treating the gas pedal like an on-off switch. Jaguar Land Rover’s all-new Ingenium turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, set to go into production in late 2016, can’t get here soon enough.
The Ride Is Right
While the powertrain is the Discovery Sport’s biggest shortcoming, the chassis it’s bolted to is this crossover’s greatest asset. It starts with a rock-solid unibody structure that’s heavy on steel, although the hood, roof, and tailgate are aluminum stampings. As we scrambled over packed ice and rutted trails in Iceland, the Discovery Sport’s body never chattered or quivered. On paved roads, the cabin is seriously quiet, especially impressive considering that our test car rolled on studded winter tires.
Ride quality both on- and off-road is excellent, with none of the contrived “sporty” harshness that afflicts the Evoque. The suspension tuning is a masterful balance of compliant damping and firm body control. A new multilink rear suspension that is shorter and more compact than the Evoque’s strut arrangement creates the extra width between the wheels that allows for the optional third row of seats. Land Rover calls the Discovery Sport a 5+2-seater, which you should interpret as space for 5 adults plus a pair of 2-year-olds. As an occasional-use seat, though, the best part about the third row is its expert packaging. With the last row folded, the Sport’s load floor is just as low as in the 5-passenger version. (The 6-seater does, however, lack the 5-seat model’s underfloor storage.)
A Family Affair
Under Tata ownership, Land Rover has mastered the redesigns of the Range Rover models. The Discovery Sport suggests that the Land Rover side of the family is about to undergo a similarly successful revitalization. The LR4 soon will be called Discovery once again and a new Defender is due in a couple years. (And, yes, for the first time in nearly 20 years, that ultimate off-road tool will be sold in the U.S.) When it comes to staying true to your heritage, maybe Iceland is onto something.
Our long-term Mini rattles back to Michigan just in time for winter.
DAVE BEARD AND
MICHAEL SIMARI
WHAT WE LIKE AND WHY: We haven’t noticed our lengthy-term Mini Cooper S in a while, as it spent the summer time on assignment in Los Angeles. But receiving back behind the wheel reminds us of how considerably a lot more refined the most current Mini is than prior generations. The feel is more akin to a small BMW than an eager runabout, with enhanced ergonomics and instrumentation. The light, precise action of the clutch and shifter are practically perfect for spirited driving, and even though the go-kart really feel has been somewhat watered down, the Mini can still deliver smiles when hitting an apex. And there’s lots of grunt from the S’s turbocharged 2.-liter, and with all 207 lb-ft of torque peaking at a superlow 1250 rpm, it’s easier to deal with thick traffic. We’re still averaging 30 mpg overall with normal flogging, which equates to 350 miles of range.
WHAT WE Don’t LIKE AND WHY: In spite of higher initial compliance from the suspension versus prior models, the most current Mini nevertheless crashes over most bumps and has currently created several creaks and rattles in its structure. Although not as prominent as in earlier Minis, such as our flimsy extended-term 2009 JCW convertible, the clatter nevertheless lends a feeling of cheapness. Eighteen-inch wheels and 40-series rubber certainly do not assist the ride, either. And even though the most current Mini’s enlarged dimensions permit a slightly more capacious cargo region and rear seat, squeezing 2 adults in the back of the 3-door hardtop is a terrible thought.
WHAT WENT Incorrect AND WHY: In spite of the lackluster structural integrity, our Mini has been reasonably easy to reside with. The vehicle visited the dealer twice while in California about 11,000 miles, but neither stop expense us a dime. The very first was a scheduled oil and filter modify and inspection, which was covered under Mini’s integrated free of charge upkeep for 3 years or 36,000 miles. An oil leak prompted the second check out shortly thereafter, with the problem being a faulty oil-filter housing, which was tended to below warranty as a identified issue. Being Michigan in December, our biggest expense given that the vehicle returned to HQ has been a set of 205/45-17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 run-flat winter tires ($ 736 from Tire Rack), which we mounted on a set of replacement 17-inch wheels provided by Mini (we were unable to acquire run-flat winter rubber in the OE size for the car’s stock 18s). Then, since we’re vain, we spent $ 62.63 for 4 new center caps that weren’t incorporated with the winter wheels. Even though the squishy winter tires make it hard to analyze any changes in dynamic overall performance from the taller sidewalls, they do at least provide a bit a lot more cushion to the ride over frozen, pockmarked pavement.
Where WE WENT AND WHY: As we talked about, the Mini just returned from California and has served mostly as a local commuter even though back residence in Michigan. It did, nonetheless, travel often while out west, which includes treks from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the higher desert about Barstow, California. Although the onset of winter and the car’s diminutive size will surely limit its road-trip possible in the coming months, its pluckiness need to entertain on the several shorter voyages about the holidays. —Mike Sutton
Months in Fleet: 6 months Present Mileage: 15,148 miles Typical Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Fuel Tank Size: 11.6 gal Fuel Variety: 350 miles Service: $ Regular Wear: $ Repair: $ Harm and Destruction: $
Our extended-term Mini rattles back to Michigan just in time for winter.
DAVE BEARD AND
MICHAEL SIMARI
WHAT WE LIKE AND WHY: We haven’t observed our long-term Mini Cooper S in a although, as it spent the summer season on assignment in Los Angeles. But receiving back behind the wheel reminds us of how much more refined the newest Mini is than previous generations. The feel is far more akin to a tiny BMW than an eager runabout, with enhanced ergonomics and instrumentation. The light, precise action of the clutch and shifter are almost excellent for spirited driving, and while the go-kart really feel has been somewhat watered down, the Mini can nonetheless deliver smiles when hitting an apex. And there’s lots of grunt from the S’s turbocharged 2.-liter, and with all 207 lb-ft of torque peaking at a superlow 1250 rpm, it’s easier to deal with thick traffic. We’re still averaging 30 mpg overall with typical flogging, which equates to 350 miles of range.
WHAT WE Don’t LIKE AND WHY: Regardless of greater initial compliance from the suspension versus previous models, the newest Mini nonetheless crashes over most bumps and has currently created many creaks and rattles in its structure. Though not as prominent as in preceding Minis, such as our flimsy long-term 2009 JCW convertible, the clatter nonetheless lends a feeling of cheapness. Eighteen-inch wheels and 40-series rubber certainly do not aid the ride, either. And although the newest Mini’s enlarged dimensions permit a slightly more capacious cargo location and rear seat, squeezing 2 adults in the back of the 3-door hardtop is a terrible thought.
WHAT WENT Incorrect AND WHY: Despite the lackluster structural integrity, our Mini has been reasonably easy to reside with. The vehicle visited the dealer twice although in California around 11,000 miles, but neither stop cost us a dime. The 1st was a scheduled oil and filter modify and inspection, which was covered below Mini’s included totally free maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. An oil leak prompted the second pay a visit to shortly thereafter, with the difficulty being a faulty oil-filter housing, which was tended to under warranty as a identified concern. Becoming Michigan in December, our biggest expense since the auto returned to HQ has been a set of 205/45-17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 run-flat winter tires ($ 736 from Tire Rack), which we mounted on a set of replacement 17-inch wheels provided by Mini (we had been unable to receive run-flat winter rubber in the OE size for the car’s stock 18s). Then, since we’re vain, we spent $ 62.63 for 4 new center caps that weren’t incorporated with the winter wheels. Despite the fact that the squishy winter tires make it tough to analyze any changes in dynamic functionality from the taller sidewalls, they do at least provide a bit more cushion to the ride over frozen, pockmarked pavement.
Where WE WENT AND WHY: As we talked about, the Mini just returned from California and has served mainly as a local commuter while back residence in Michigan. It did, nonetheless, travel regularly whilst out west, which includes treks from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the high desert about Barstow, California. While the onset of winter and the car’s diminutive size will surely limit its road-trip possible in the coming months, its pluckiness should entertain on the many shorter voyages around the holidays. —Mike Sutton
Months in Fleet: 6 months Current Mileage: 15,148 miles Average Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Fuel Tank Size: 11.6 gal Fuel Range: 350 miles Service: $ Normal Put on: $ Repair: $ Harm and Destruction: $
According to your website there is no law against the carrying of workers on the back of a bakkie . The JPD has been issuing fines for this for one of the contractors working for us – could you possibly clarify this for us?
Answer:
You are allowed to carry passengers as long as it is not for reward and you comply with reg 247 of the National Road Traffic Regulations.
I copy it for your information.
Circumstances under which persons may be carried on goods vehicle
Reg 247. No person shall operate on a public road a goods vehicle conveying persons unless that portion of the vehicle in which such persons are being conveyed is enclosed to a height of—
(a) at least 350 millimetres above the surface upon which such person is seated; or
(b) at least 900 millimetres above the surface on which such person is standing, in a manner and with a material of sufficient strength to prevent such person from falling from such vehicle when it is in motion.
Provided that no person shall be conveyed in the goods compartment together with any tools or goods, except their personal effects, unless that portion in which such persons are being conveyed is separated by means of a partition, from the portion in which such goods are being conveyed.
Alta
Alta Swanepoel & Associates
Also view:
Transportation of workers on back of a bakkie / goods vehicle
Hugely versatile, spacious MPV boosts Honda model offering in SA
Stylish, streamlined shape remains true to Honda’;s high-tech character
Full 6-seater interior offers space and high comfort levels
Value-added pricing ensures high degree of affordability
Honda will be putting a smile on the face of young families when it launches the all-new Mobilio multi-purpose vehicle in South Africa this month. The highly versatile 6-seater adds another, vital model to the Honda passenger car offering in South Africa, and is set to win the quality-driven, high-tech brand many new friends.
The Mobilio brings the space and practicality of a family-friendly MPV within reach of a wider audience, while delivering all the style, technology and engineering prowess the Honda marque has become famous for. This allows buyers seeking a spacious, 6-seater solution to consider a stylish Honda product for the first time.
The Mobilio is offered in 2 trim levels, Trend and Comfort, both powered by the same, zippy 1,5-litre petrol engine, linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both the engine and the gearbox have already proven their mettle in the highly regarded Honda Ballade.
The advanced 4-cylinder, 16-valve power unit is fitted with Honda’;s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system, and has a maximum power output of 88 kW at 6 600 r/min, linked to a torque peak of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.
But it’;s the interior of the Mobilio that will be hogging the limelight. Comfortable seats, generous head and legroom for all 3 rows of seats, and plenty of luggage space ensure a feeling of luxury and privacy. Despite its comparatively compact footprint, the Mobilio offers sedan-like space, but with the benefit of 3 seating rows.
The 60:40 split second seat row has a slide and recline function that allows the space to be optimised depending on preference and requirement. With a large door aperture and the second row’;s one-motion fold-down function, access to the rear seating row is easy and convenient.
The third seat row is split 50:50 with a reclining function, and offers ample legroom. Both seat rows can be folded flat and tumbled forward to maximise cargo space. Even with all seats in place, the Mobilio will swallow a full 223 litres of cargo, which increases to 521 litres with the third row seat folded down.
Honda’;s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body construction means that the new Mobilio provides peace-of-mind safety by managing collision forces, while active and passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags, head restraints, front inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, as well as ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution.
“The arrival of the Mobilio represents another important chapter for Honda in South Africa,” says Graham Eagle, operations director at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “It extends our model offering to include a value-added 6 seater with real space, comfort, style and dynamic appeal.
“Vitally, the Mobilio also meets Honda’;s stringent quality and safety standards, providing our customers with real peace of mind, while the interior’;s versatility and practicality will ensure that it delivers what MPVs do best: meet a very wide spectrum of family and lifestyle motoring requirements.”
Pricing
Honda 1.5 Trend MT R179 990
Honda 1.5 Comfort MT R198 990
The Mobilio is backed by Honda’;s 3-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a one-year AA Roadside Assistance package. The Comfort model also benefits from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km intervals.
Hugely versatile, spacious MPV boosts Honda model offering in SA
Stylish, streamlined shape remains true to Honda’;s high-tech character
Full 6-seater interior offers space and high comfort levels
Value-added pricing ensures high degree of affordability
Honda will be putting a smile on the face of young families when it launches the all-new Mobilio multi-purpose vehicle in South Africa this month. The highly versatile 6-seater adds another, vital model to the Honda passenger car offering in South Africa, and is set to win the quality-driven, high-tech brand many new friends.
The Mobilio brings the space and practicality of a family-friendly MPV within reach of a wider audience, while delivering all the style, technology and engineering prowess the Honda marque has become famous for. This allows buyers seeking a spacious, 6-seater solution to consider a stylish Honda product for the first time.
The Mobilio is offered in 2 trim levels, Trend and Comfort, both powered by the same, zippy 1,5-litre petrol engine, linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both the engine and the gearbox have already proven their mettle in the highly regarded Honda Ballade.
The advanced 4-cylinder, 16-valve power unit is fitted with Honda’;s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system, and has a maximum power output of 88 kW at 6 600 r/min, linked to a torque peak of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.
But it’;s the interior of the Mobilio that will be hogging the limelight. Comfortable seats, generous head and legroom for all 3 rows of seats, and plenty of luggage space ensure a feeling of luxury and privacy. Despite its comparatively compact footprint, the Mobilio offers sedan-like space, but with the benefit of 3 seating rows.
The 60:40 split second seat row has a slide and recline function that allows the space to be optimised depending on preference and requirement. With a large door aperture and the second row’;s one-motion fold-down function, access to the rear seating row is easy and convenient.
The third seat row is split 50:50 with a reclining function, and offers ample legroom. Both seat rows can be folded flat and tumbled forward to maximise cargo space. Even with all seats in place, the Mobilio will swallow a full 223 litres of cargo, which increases to 521 litres with the third row seat folded down.
Honda’;s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body construction means that the new Mobilio provides peace-of-mind safety by managing collision forces, while active and passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags, head restraints, front inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, as well as ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution.
“The arrival of the Mobilio represents another important chapter for Honda in South Africa,” says Graham Eagle, operations director at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “It extends our model offering to include a value-added 6 seater with real space, comfort, style and dynamic appeal.
“Vitally, the Mobilio also meets Honda’;s stringent quality and safety standards, providing our customers with real peace of mind, while the interior’;s versatility and practicality will ensure that it delivers what MPVs do best: meet a very wide spectrum of family and lifestyle motoring requirements.”
Pricing
Honda 1.5 Trend MT R179 990
Honda 1.5 Comfort MT R198 990
The Mobilio is backed by Honda’;s 3-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a one-year AA Roadside Assistance package. The Comfort model also benefits from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km intervals.
Hugely versatile, spacious MPV boosts Honda model offering in SA
Stylish, streamlined shape remains true to Honda’;s high-tech character
Full 6-seater interior offers space and high comfort levels
Value-added pricing ensures high degree of affordability
Honda will be putting a smile on the face of young families when it launches the all-new Mobilio multi-purpose vehicle in South Africa this month. The highly versatile 6-seater adds another, vital model to the Honda passenger car offering in South Africa, and is set to win the quality-driven, high-tech brand many new friends.
The Mobilio brings the space and practicality of a family-friendly MPV within reach of a wider audience, while delivering all the style, technology and engineering prowess the Honda marque has become famous for. This allows buyers seeking a spacious, 6-seater solution to consider a stylish Honda product for the first time.
The Mobilio is offered in 2 trim levels, Trend and Comfort, both powered by the same, zippy 1,5-litre petrol engine, linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both the engine and the gearbox have already proven their mettle in the highly regarded Honda Ballade.
The advanced 4-cylinder, 16-valve power unit is fitted with Honda’;s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system, and has a maximum power output of 88 kW at 6 600 r/min, linked to a torque peak of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.
But it’;s the interior of the Mobilio that will be hogging the limelight. Comfortable seats, generous head and legroom for all 3 rows of seats, and plenty of luggage space ensure a feeling of luxury and privacy. Despite its comparatively compact footprint, the Mobilio offers sedan-like space, but with the benefit of 3 seating rows.
The 60:40 split second seat row has a slide and recline function that allows the space to be optimised depending on preference and requirement. With a large door aperture and the second row’;s one-motion fold-down function, access to the rear seating row is easy and convenient.
The third seat row is split 50:50 with a reclining function, and offers ample legroom. Both seat rows can be folded flat and tumbled forward to maximise cargo space. Even with all seats in place, the Mobilio will swallow a full 223 litres of cargo, which increases to 521 litres with the third row seat folded down.
Honda’;s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body construction means that the new Mobilio provides peace-of-mind safety by managing collision forces, while active and passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags, head restraints, front inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, as well as ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution.
“The arrival of the Mobilio represents another important chapter for Honda in South Africa,” says Graham Eagle, operations director at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “It extends our model offering to include a value-added 6 seater with real space, comfort, style and dynamic appeal.
“Vitally, the Mobilio also meets Honda’;s stringent quality and safety standards, providing our customers with real peace of mind, while the interior’;s versatility and practicality will ensure that it delivers what MPVs do best: meet a very wide spectrum of family and lifestyle motoring requirements.”
Pricing
Honda 1.5 Trend MT R179 990
Honda 1.5 Comfort MT R198 990
The Mobilio is backed by Honda’;s 3-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a one-year AA Roadside Assistance package. The Comfort model also benefits from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km intervals.
Hugely versatile, spacious MPV boosts Honda model offering in SA
Stylish, streamlined shape remains true to Honda’;s high-tech character
Full 6-seater interior offers space and high comfort levels
Value-added pricing ensures high degree of affordability
Honda will be putting a smile on the face of young families when it launches the all-new Mobilio multi-purpose vehicle in South Africa this month. The highly versatile 6-seater adds another, vital model to the Honda passenger car offering in South Africa, and is set to win the quality-driven, high-tech brand many new friends.
The Mobilio brings the space and practicality of a family-friendly MPV within reach of a wider audience, while delivering all the style, technology and engineering prowess the Honda marque has become famous for. This allows buyers seeking a spacious, 6-seater solution to consider a stylish Honda product for the first time.
The Mobilio is offered in 2 trim levels, Trend and Comfort, both powered by the same, zippy 1,5-litre petrol engine, linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both the engine and the gearbox have already proven their mettle in the highly regarded Honda Ballade.
The advanced 4-cylinder, 16-valve power unit is fitted with Honda’;s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system, and has a maximum power output of 88 kW at 6 600 r/min, linked to a torque peak of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.
But it’;s the interior of the Mobilio that will be hogging the limelight. Comfortable seats, generous head and legroom for all 3 rows of seats, and plenty of luggage space ensure a feeling of luxury and privacy. Despite its comparatively compact footprint, the Mobilio offers sedan-like space, but with the benefit of 3 seating rows.
The 60:40 split second seat row has a slide and recline function that allows the space to be optimised depending on preference and requirement. With a large door aperture and the second row’;s one-motion fold-down function, access to the rear seating row is easy and convenient.
The third seat row is split 50:50 with a reclining function, and offers ample legroom. Both seat rows can be folded flat and tumbled forward to maximise cargo space. Even with all seats in place, the Mobilio will swallow a full 223 litres of cargo, which increases to 521 litres with the third row seat folded down.
Honda’;s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body construction means that the new Mobilio provides peace-of-mind safety by managing collision forces, while active and passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags, head restraints, front inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, as well as ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution.
“The arrival of the Mobilio represents another important chapter for Honda in South Africa,” says Graham Eagle, operations director at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “It extends our model offering to include a value-added 6 seater with real space, comfort, style and dynamic appeal.
“Vitally, the Mobilio also meets Honda’;s stringent quality and safety standards, providing our customers with real peace of mind, while the interior’;s versatility and practicality will ensure that it delivers what MPVs do best: meet a very wide spectrum of family and lifestyle motoring requirements.”
Pricing
Honda 1.5 Trend MT R179 990
Honda 1.5 Comfort MT R198 990
The Mobilio is backed by Honda’;s 3-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a one-year AA Roadside Assistance package. The Comfort model also benefits from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km intervals.
When Audi conceived the TT in the mid-1990s, it knew it had a game-changer on its hands. The little coupe came into a virtually deserted segment and it served as a statement of Audi’;s commitment to design and style and precision engineering. An offspring of the VW Golf IV’;s PQ34 platform, the TT was shaped by a quantity of high-profile designers, such as Freeman Thomas, Romulus Rost, Claus Potthoff, Marc Florian, and others. Peter Schreyer joined Audi at the finish of the project. Engineering head Ulrich Hackenberg, now back in Ingolstadt after serving as head R&D man at VW, pushed it through with the support of Ferdinand Piëch. The concept blew minds at the 1995 Frankfurt auto show. Like no other automobile, it established Audi’;s credentials in the world of design.
The second-generation TT, launched in the 2006 calendar year, was a greater car in a lot of respects, but it lacked the uncompromising style of the original. Now Audi is attempting to recapture that original spirit with the third generation, which is launching in Europe appropriate now. The new TT is about 1 year away from arriving in the U.S.
While the least potent engine in European versions is a 184-hp 2.-liter TDI, U.S. clients will see at least 220 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of twist from a regular EA888 2.-liter gasoline turbo. Regardless of the comparatively modest energy rating, the TT charges forward with zeal, in element thanks to its near-3000-pound curb w7 The second-generation TT tipped the scales some 200 pounds lighter than the first-gen version, and now the third-gen TT has dieted tough to lose an additional 90. The sprint from zero to 62 mph takes about 5.3 seconds according to Audi, even though the best speed is a complete 155 mph. The only accessible transmission for the U.S. version will be a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, and Quattro all-wheel drive will be regular.
While the TT feels rapid, there is slight turbo lag, albeit efficiently masked by the swift action of the dual-clutch gearbox. Push the touchy gas pedal and this Audi hisses and whooshes forward in a rush. The TT turns into corners eagerly with really tiny understeer, and the Sport setting of the stability-manage method enables for considerable drift angles before intervening. The electrically boosted energy steering is wonderfully precise and nicely weighted it really is 1 of the greatest we’;ve driven.
There is no hiding the reality that the TT has the bones of much more mas-marketplace automobiles, nonetheless. Its seating position is a bit higher than that of, say, a Porsche Cayman or a BMW Z4. But while this might detract from an extreme sports-car feeling, it helps visibility. But make no error, there is no confusing the TT for an A3 from the inside, as the interior, in the spirit of the 1st TT, is a style showcase. Audi has simplified and decluttered the dashboard, eliminating the central show in the method. All info, including the navigation map, is now straight in front of the driver, on an ultra-high-quality TFT display that renders nearly each and every other in-auto screen obsolete. A single trick sees a enormous map digitally dismiss the tach and speedometer to the outer corners of the screen.
The HVAC controls, as well as the heated-seat controls, are hidden in the 5 air vents. And the MMI infotainment program, which now characteristics the brand’s touch-pad interface, can also be operated from the steering wheel. The ultra-clean interior looks futuristic and is free of distractions. Co-drivers might complain about the lack of a central screen, but this is a sports auto, appropriate? As for rear accommodations, we recommend just folding those seats down for the extra cargo space for adults, the claustrophobic rear compartment is an imposition. (Not that Audi promises much. It says the rear seats are not advisable for any person above 4 feet, 9 inches tall.)
The Audi TT will come to the U.S. in mid-2015 as a 2016 model we estimate its base value will be just north of $ 40,000. With the emphasis on a return to the TT’s revolutionary design and style roots, Audi is looking to field a game-changer as soon as again.
August 28, 2014 at 2:28 pm by Nicholas Wallace | Photography by eBay/laurel_bmw_westmont and the Manufacturer
Let’s say a person have been to supply to sell you a automobile a lot like the a single you want, but with some important differences—this a single doesn’t have an engine or a transmission and is instead a fiberglass shell shaped to look like a actual auto. It does, however, sit upon a welded tube-frame cart with casters so that you can push it about, possibly creating exciting driving noises, and it has functioning headlamps and actual brake rotors and tires. (No word as to whether or not the lamps have been laser-lit.) That deal sounded good to one particular BMW dealership in Illinois, which bought a promotional display version of the supersultry i8 hybrid sports coupe—for a staggering $ 30K.
From what we’ve been capable to collect, the dealer originally bought the i8 replica from BMW of North America to develop hype among consumers for the few genuine i8s that the store had been allocated. As you may count on, the actual automobiles sold quickly, at which point Laurel BMW of Westmont was stuck with a $ 30K pile of fiberglass and angle iron. Sexy fiberglass and angle iron, but nevertheless. So, like any great retail business—or, genuinely, any good American—it decided to sell the thing on eBay.
Our sources indicate that, with 2 days of open bidding left and almost 60 bids pushing the value of the fiberglass wonder past the $ 20,000 mark, Westmont’s try to recoup its investment was abruptly reduce quick by a telephone contact from BMW of North America. BMWNA informed the dealership that it was not to sell the replica i8 . . . nor did BMWNA have any need to take it back.
Westmont immediately ended the auction, which we’re certain upset not only the a lot of bidders but also the dealership’s management. We can only hope that Laurel BMW of Westmont and BMWNA come to some sort of resolution, as we might commence to see much more of these “cars” pop up (and possibly back down) online from other dealerships. Till then, however, verify out the original eBay ad in all its auction-tastic glory.
August 26, 2014 at 6:09 pm by Andrew Wendler | Photography by Chris Doane Automotive, Michael Simari, and the Manufacturer
A new wrinkle in the ongoing saga of the Ford Focus RS and its possible U.S. arrival has emerged: Our pals at Road & Track are reporting that not only is the RS now more likely than ever to be sold in the U.S., but that it will blat and slide onto our shores packing torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
Quoting an unnamed insider, R&T says the RS will appear in “extremely limited numbers [and] unlike its predecessor will be all-wheel drive.” The former jibes with our most recent report, which said that the RS isn’t likely to appear before 2016 or 2017, one or 2 years before the current-gen Focus is due to be replaced. We had also previously spotted a camouflaged Focus RS undergoing testing right here in the Rust Belt, followed shortly thereafter by a new batch of details that fueled speculation of a stateside arrival.
SUCK UP ALL OF THE ROAD: The last-gen Focus RS was forbidden fruit. Juicy, juicy forbidden fruit.
As for the all-wheel-drive tidbit, persistent rumors that a 330-hp variant of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo 4 from the 2015 Ford Mustang might find a home in the Focus RS had us wondering how exactly Ford would mitigate the inevitable torque steer if the car remained front-wheel drive. Based on our experience with the current Focus ST, it seems Ford’s torque-steer-mitigation prowess may be maxed out. (The ST uses its stability-control program to brake individual front wheels when it senses torque steer; it sort of works. The last RS used RevoKnuckle, a special strut design, to stay out of ditches.) So it makes sense that Ford might call on an AWD setup to spread output to both ends of the car; we’re assuming that any additional weight of the driveline components will be offset by the additional power.
We reached out to our own sources at Ford, and this is what they had to say: “None of what is being reported is confirmed, including the part about the RS coming to America. That said, everything in the [report] references existing stuff and is certainly doable. If you look at what we can do with the Escape, which is a C-platform vehicle, you can see these things are not beyond the realm of possibility.” We didn’t read a categorical denial in there, did you? The scales may indeed be beginning to tip in our favor.
BT took its 1st large step back into the mobile phone industry on Thursday as it launched a new organization service to deliver fixed line and mobile calls to the exact same handset.
It presently has just 1% of the corporate mobile market but said it now plans to develop “aggressively”.
The BT One Telephone service is designed to make sure that companies never ever miss a call.
Fixed line high quality coverage for mobiles
BT mentioned research showed 60% of calls to organization mobiles have been answered in the workplace, but figures showed 90% of customers have been unhappy with the contact top quality of mobile phones.
It plans to address this by installing private ne2rks at company web sites to give fixed line quality coverage for a handset that can be taken away from the creating by employees.
Outdoors the workplace these will connect to a mobile ne2rk, by way of a deal BT signed with operator EE earlier this year.
The service is getting offered from nowadays with a national roll-out more than the next 6 months.
It is the very first step in BT’;s re-entry in the mobile telephone industry following the de-merger of its BT Cellnet company in 2001 which was later bought by Telefonica to turn out to be O2.
It plans to launch a mobile telephone company for the wider public by the finish of the present economic year.
BT said the new business service would perform with a full variety of mobile phones by inserting a One particular Phone SIM.
Business require flexible communications
Combined with 4G and unlimited access to millions of BT Wi-Fi hotspots, it would allow employees to “be as productive outdoors the workplace as they are at their desk”.
BT Business chief executive Graham Sutherland stated: “With an increasingly mobile and demanding workforce, organizations require communications technologies that is flexible.
“Today’;s announcement, combined with the upcoming launch of our 4G solutions demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the increasingly mobile UK workforce.”
BT Enterprise has more than 900,000 corporate customers but only 1% share of the mobile industry in this region.
Mr Sutherland mentioned: “It is disappointing but it is a amazing opportunity for us. We are going to aggressively go following that chance.”
BT took its very first massive step back into the mobile telephone marketplace on Thursday as it launched a new business service to deliver fixed line and mobile calls to the exact same handset.
It at present has just 1% of the corporate mobile industry but mentioned it now plans to develop “aggressively”.
The BT One Telephone service is created to guarantee that companies in no way miss a get in touch with.
Fixed line quality coverage for mobiles
BT said investigation showed 60% of calls to organization mobiles have been answered in the workplace, but figures showed 90% of users had been unhappy with the get in touch with good quality of mobile phones.
It plans to address this by installing private ne2rks at business web sites to supply fixed line top quality coverage for a handset that can be taken away from the constructing by staff.
Outdoors the workplace these will connect to a mobile ne2rk, through a deal BT signed with operator EE earlier this year.
The service is getting offered from nowadays with a national roll-out over the subsequent 6 months.
It is the first step in BT’;s re-entry in the mobile phone industry following the de-merger of its BT Cellnet business in 2001 which was later purchased by Telefonica to grow to be O2.
It plans to launch a mobile phone enterprise for the wider public by the finish of the present economic year.
BT stated the new organization service would operate with a full variety of mobile phones by inserting a A single Telephone SIM.
Business want flexible communications
Combined with 4G and unlimited access to millions of BT Wi-Fi hotspots, it would enable workers to “be as productive outside the workplace as they are at their desk”.
BT Company chief executive Graham Sutherland said: “With an increasingly mobile and demanding workforce, firms need to have communications technology that is flexible.
“Today’;s announcement, combined with the upcoming launch of our 4G solutions demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the increasingly mobile UK workforce.”
BT Business has far more than 900,000 corporate clients but only 1% share of the mobile market in this area.
Mr Sutherland stated: “It is disappointing but it is a fantastic opportunity for us. We are going to aggressively go after that chance.”
No, no do not start off heading to your nearest barbers, I don’t mean the hair cut of choice for the American Marine, but the truck cab kind. Flat tops were prime dog in the cab world back in the 80’s just before the space cabs, Toplines and Globetrotters took more than. As a boy developing up in the 80’s flat tops were my bread and butter, a flat prime 143, now when I imply flat prime I imply an original Toplines in the same statement, fundamentally anything pre being in a position to stand up and put your trousers on, which we all take for granted these days.
These days the norm (in Europe anyway) is a Topline, a Globetrotter XL, a Super Space Cab or even the awesome Gigaspace and I believe they have turn into so widespread spot the delight of a flat top cab has been totally forgotten……this is of course till our Dutch and European cousins have turned it into a retro trucking marvel! At the very best truck show in the globe this year, or Truckstar Festival to those who haven’t been, it was a pleasure to see the flat tops creating a strong come back. The difference now in 2014 is that the flat tops are almost certainly nevertheless slightly larger than the originals, but then again everything is bigger than it utilized to be (Mrs TB will disagree). Most of the trucks at Assen were Scania’s and a handful of Volvo’s. The Scania nonetheless comes in the original proper standard sleeper, I consider it is still known as an R-cab and also the seemingly a lot more popular Hi-line which according to the Scania web site, gives you an additional 30cm headroom over the standard R-cab sleeper.
When we all believe of Volvo’s new FH series we all immediately consider Globetrotter, Globetrotter, Globetrotter, how a lot of of you even realised you can still have a standard flat best sleeper can just like the delightful old F10’s and F12’s. Properly you can and the couple of examples you can see here are just great. Looking at them it is so straightforward to realise that we have forgotten about the flat prime. Then once more probably because the big cabs are so widespread location on sleeper cabbed trucks these days that we (it wasn’t just me who noticed them at Truckstar!) have been shocked back into realising how cool and retro the contemporary flat tops are. Then once again anything that has been customised by the Dutch looks cool and enviable to us English. Just a side note individuals, hardly any shiny alloy wheels, painted wheels is nonetheless the way forward.
By now you have realised that you want to be getting a flat leading to be in with the gang. It actually didn’t take a lot walking about at Assen for this to sink in, but to attain perfection it seems that you have to choose the chassis with a twin wheel tag. Sorry you should excuse me my European cousins, it’s not a twin wheel tag, you have to get in touch with it (please study in a Dutch accent!) how do you say “rear bogie lift”. Phrase of the show. A flat top cab with rear bogie lift is the greatest looking carsch you could see this year. Just to convince you once and for all just have a look at the red beastie under from Belgium. Scania fan or not you have to admit she looks rather effectively. Hi-line cab, painted wheels, roof rack, straight pipe exhausts, rear bogie lift and of course a retro (3 series in this case) sun visor. Why on earth is the 3 series visor not supplied by Scania as a standard match alternative??
