What to do if the garage / service station incorrectly fills your vehicle with petrol or diesel…

Today we all lead a very rushed life, and a life based on convenience.
We fly into the service station, run inside to grab some milk and bread while the attendant puts fuel into our vehicle.
Rush out again, grab our Garage Card back, scribble a signature and head for the sanity of home.

There are very few motorists that will disagree with this scenario and with the newer high tech diesel vehicles sounding and looking more and more similar to their petrol counterparts every day, your chances of becoming a victim of incorrect fuelling at the garage is growing all the time.
There are also multiple fuel options on each island at most garages you visit.
You can choose from leaded or unleaded petrol, you can choose from 93 octane or 95 octane petrol, you can also choose from 50 ppm or 500 ppm diesel too.
So it is just a matter of time before your diesel vehicle gets filled with petrol or vice versa.
Incorrect fuel doesn’t sound like a big issue, fuel is fuel and maybe you think your vehicle will simply splutter a bit and then all will be okay, but you would be horribly wrong!
Hopefully you realise the mistake before leaving the filling station.

If you do, don’t drive the vehicle, get assistance and remove the fuel in the easiest and most convenient way possible.
You should re-fuel with the correct fuel and we suggest that if you can, fill the tank to minimise the effect of the left over dilution.
Should you choose to ignore the problem or drive to another workshop type facility, this could cost as much as R10000 per minute of driving to repair the damage you would have done to your vehicle’s engine.
If you did not realise the mistake before you left the filling station and have now found your vehicle to be running very rough or perhaps it has even become un-driveable, either get the vehicle towed to a garage or repair shop as soon as possible or if you have to, drive it there.
You should tell them exactly what happened, how far you have drove like this, how much fuel was in the tank and how much wrong fuel you added etc.
And they can take it from there and advise you on the way forward.

The bottom line is, check the filling process before it starts, don’t become one of many who took it for granted that the pump attendant put in the right fuel – diesel or petrol.
For those of you who want to know a bit more why the damage can be sudden and substantial, read more…
The combustion processes of diesel and petrol differ substantially and catastrophic consequential damage starts to take place as soon as normal driving takes place.
Old and new level diesel vehicles have many components in the engine that rely on diesel for lubrication.
On the older diesels the diesel pump self destructs within a few minutes following injector nozzle failure and ultimately all the components thereafter start to fail.
Similarly the new level vehicles with common rail technology have lift pumps and unit injectors that will seize and self destruct shortly after the car has been started.
Simply put, petrol has no lubricating qualities and any component that relies on diesel for lubrication will eventually fail.

A petrol vehicle that is filled with diesel on the other hand suffers from a completely different set of consequences.
Here it is mainly detonation that can break pistons as a result of the extra incombustible volume in the combustion chamber that cannot burn efficiently.
There are obviously many other consequences on petrol vehicles but this topic will then become far too technical and will end up confusing most people.
All we ask at SAC is that you take the time to check that your vehicle is being filled with the correct petrol or diesel.

Have your Opel Astra chip tuning done at Steve’s Auto Clinic in Kyalami

All Test Figures displayed on this website were obtained at Highveld altitude.
These figures may differ from vehicle to vehicle.
The power figures have been corrected back to flywheel power.

Opel Astra Chip Tuning in South Africa
Phone Steves Auto Clinic, reputable performers of Opel Astra chip tuning in Kyalami on 011 466 2050 for assistance

Throughout the duration of taking your Opel Astra in for service and maintenance work, how often have you heard the phrase “Opel Astra chip tuning”? The chances are very good that you have, but do you actually know what chip tuning is?

In short, Opel Astra chip tuning is a modern innovation in electronic and computerised performance enhancement. All older types of vehicles had manually repairable engines and engine components. Almost anything could be fixed with a spanner and a screwdriver. With the advancement of technology within the automotive industry, all newer vehicles are fitted with a computerised engine management system, which is responsible for all signals sent to the engine itself. Along with this technology came features such as improved power, better fuel efficiency and smaller more powerful engines. Another factor that is also important to know is that any engine, however advanced, still needs the hands of a professional when it comes to servicing, maintenance or repairs.

Why choose Steves Auto Clinic for your Opel Astra Chip Tuning?

Reputable companies such as Steves Auto Clinic realised the importance of keeping up with the advancing technology and acquired all the necessary training, expertise and equipment to be able to perform what has now become an integral part of any Opel Astra owner’s vehicle care, Opel Astra chip tuning.

Opel Astra chip tuning is the task of connecting the vehicle’s computerised engine management system, downloading the information, enhancing the data that is called engine mapping, and sending the enhanced performance information back to the engine management system. It is such an innovative service as it doesn’t require any wiring to be changed, it takes a matter of minutes and it sends enhanced signals to your engine in terms of fuel consumption, engine performance and increased power, features that were already in the engine’s computer but had not been optimised in the manufacturing process.

Of course this task must be performed by an Opel Astra expert, as when the wrong information such as over-enhancing is sent to the vehicle’s engine, it could result in engine damage and ultimately irreparable engine failure.

So when next you are looking for a reputable provider of Opel Astra chip tuning in Kyalami, Gauteng , do not hesitate to call Steves Auto Clinic at 011 466 2050 and be rest assured that you are in the hands of the best Opel Astra chip tuning specialists in South Africa .

Times have changed. In years gone by, not so very long ago, if you had a bakkie it was to carry a load and your saloon was the family transport. Those few who ran a 4×4 as well, used it for high days and holidays into the bush. Of these, only the family saloon was able to drive in relative comfort and at moderate speeds.
Today things are different: A single vehicle is expected to do all these tasks, and more: One vehicle to take the kids to school, then off to a business lunch and on the weekend to tow a ski-boat for two hours at 120 kph and then pull it out of a steep, muddy slipway.

We get so much more out of our vehicles these days and in doing so more power, torque and better economy is not just a desire, it has become a necessity.
How easy is it for the vehicle owner to choose a tuner? Not easy at all! Tuning experts all over the country each have their own theory of what more power is all about. Combining this with an already complex subject often leaves the vehicle owner confused and ultimately uninformed. SAC has enhanced the performance of tens of thousands of vehicles and has a superb track record of success.
A few factors that should influence your decision.

• Automatic versus manual vehicles
• Do you tow?
• A slow driver or a fast one?
• A conservative driver or a hard driver?
• A outdoors person?
• Fuel consumption junky or don’t really care?

I want more power – Usually this is because you want to have the ability to accelerate quicker and drive faster. The possible consequential increase in fuel consumption is of little importance. Also you would be aware of your vehicle’s power curve and would be happy to adjust your driving style accordingly.

I need more power – This is often the case when a vehicle has been accessorised and or gets well loaded and it struggles to maintain an acceptable cruising speed or battles to pass slower traffic. Towing a heavy trailer also falls into this category. Very often drivers who fall into this category only want to achieve what a friend’s vehicle can do, all be it with a different vehicle. There are many factors to watch out for.
I want better fuel consumption – This conservative approach does not really fit well with someone who wants or needs more power. Generally, if you need more power, more fuel is going to be consumed in achieving it.

For nearly 20 years, the Ranger has been one of Ford’s most popular bakkies across the globe, providing millions of customers with Ford Tough Truck capabilities. Having gone through a comprehensive global development program, the all-new Ranger builds on its strong heritage and is blazing new trails ahead. Designed and developed by a global team headquartered in Australia, the product development teams had full access to Ford’s global capabilities, testing facilities and pickup truck knowledge.
Ford Ranger
The pickup is manufactured in three continents with South Africa producing vehicles at its Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria for export to 148 markets around the world. The all-new Ranger will ultimately be sold in 180 markets, making it one of the farthest-reaching Ford products in the world.
Everything is new – engines, gearboxes, frame, suspension, steering system, brakes, chassis, exterior sheet metal, vehicle interior. The list continues with brand-new features for safety and passenger comfort.

Tested in South Africa, Australia, Dubai, Thailand, North America, Brazil and Sweden, Ranger had to face severe heat and cold, monsoon rains, high altitudes as well as rushing rivers, arid deserts and potholed roads. Prototypes clocked more than a million kilometres on the road supported by countless hours of exhaustive testing in state-of-the-art laboratories..

There is no catch to this statement, by contacting a Steves Auto Clinic sales consultant when your car or bakkie has suffered a major mechanical failure like a blown turbo or snapped cambelt, you WILL save money by considering the various alternative repair or replacement options they have to offer you!
How often does it happen today that when your vehicle suffers a major mechanical failure, you take it straight back to the agents, even if the car is out of its forced upon you warranty period?

All too often is the answer and this is a very costly habit.
How many of you have been told that there is nothing they can do other than replace the likes of the turbo when you are having trouble or the entire engine for that matter when the cambelt has snapped or jumped a tooth?
The number thrown around after that normally starts around R20 000 for a turbo replacement and beyond R100 000 for an engine.
Who now days can truly afford to throw that sort of money back into a vehicle, especially over above your monthly instalment, fuel bill and insurance?
The worst part of this scenario is that even once you have found the money to effect this repair, are you 100% confident that the failure won’t occur again?
What caused your turbo to blow?
Why did your cambelt fail?
If this has not been determined, you can be assured you WILL suffer the same failure again!
And that part that should raise the most concern is the fact that most of these failures happen as soon as your vehicle is out of warranty.
Some food for thought on this point, why is that the agents insist on longer and longer service intervals like 15 000 km for turbodiesels and 150 000 km for a cambelt change as simple examples, but they only warrant their cars for around 100 000 km.
The agents take no responsibility for what happens after this when in fact most of the wear and tear damage would have been done in the initial 100 000 km.
The good news for you the consumer is that the highly trained technicians at SAC are not only able to competently advise you on doing minor and cost effective oil and filter changes more regularly, as too when to change critical wear and tear items so as to avoid big repair bills, they are also able to mostly repair and refurbish to like new condition the damaged bits concerned, and thus save you a fortune in the process.
But the effort in finding their customers reasonable solutions do not end here, they are also able to replace parts and source alternative supplier new parts that will also save you money, whilst offering you many more miles of happy trouble free motoring at a fraction of the price.

For me one of the surest signs of the start of the holiday season is passing through the Free State en route to the coast. Both the N1 and N3 become very busy and the atmosphere at petrol stations is quite festive.

However, a friend once told me how he had a completely different association with the trip after he had to drive from Johannesburg to tow his brother, who was stuck half way between Kroonstad and Bloemfontein with a broken water pump. This reminded me that a cheerful well planned holiday trip can easily turn into a nightmare if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly.

Boost your vehicle’s power & torque for the long road these holidays. Contact the SAC Outlet near you to get a quote.

These stories also bring to the forefront how reliant we are on our car or bakkie to take us safely to our destination and tow the trailer or caravan along, whether down to the coast, from the coast up to the Kruger or anywhere else you may be heading to. Some of us even do some off road driving over the December holidays such as dune riding in Namibia, etc.

At Steves Auto Clinic we beef up our capacity before the holidays to make sure we can service all of the cars, bakkies and SUVs that pop in before the summer break. We are also proud supporters of the MIWA Free Holiday Check initiative that assist our customers in identifying potential problems and repairing their vehicles ahead of the holidays helping to reduce road accidents over the festive season.

For anyone who is unsure if they should service their vehicle now or leave it for the new year, keep in mind that a holiday trip – with all of the travels while at the holiday destination – could easily add up to 3000 kilometres or more to your odometer. If you are still unsure pop in to your nearest Steves Auto Clinic branch where our team of service advisors and trained technicians are at the ready to inspect your vehicle and give you advice on what you should look at before heading on holiday.

While you are checking in to your Steves branch, also make sure to chat to them about our range of trusted performance improvement products and consider spoiling yourself with an early Christmas present making your holiday trip even more comfortable with some extra power on tap. The range of performance upgrades on offer will make towing a large boat or caravan a cinch and just imagine how comfortable your long drive will be with so much extra power under your right foot. Contact the SAC Outlet near you to get a quote.

Do your homework well: Unichip vs. other performance chips on the market.

The technical gurus at Steves Auto Clinic recently completed a full range of new performance upgrades for your Hilux, Fortuner, Ranger or Land Cruiser – to name but a few – and these upgrades may be just the thing for your Christmas stocking.

Volkswagen Citi Golf / VW Polo Performance Engine Tune Ups | Power Cylinder Heads | Uni Q Chip Conversions

Steves Auto Clinic have just released a Stage 1 and 2 upgrade package that is now available from any one of their nine branches conveniently situated countrywide for the Volkswagen Golf MKVI.
But bringing a quicker and more tractable car to the market was no straight forward process as the current 155 kW Volkswagen MK6 is not just a factory ‘chipped’ version of the older 147 kW Mk V.

The engine, and more specifically the cylinder head and valve train are completely different to that of the previous GTI.
This meant that there were new tuning challenges to overcome before being able to completely and safely control the electronics of the car, and for this a state of the art Uni Q Chip was used.
A specially made and fitted 306 polished stainless steel 76 mm down pipe and catalytic converter free, free-flow exhaust system from De Graaf was then fitted.
This bespoke exhaust system now not only looks and sounds the part with the SAC logos professionally engraved on the tail pieces, but is also now available as a bolt on system over the counter, with cheaper mild steel options being available too.
The final puzzle in the Stage 1 upgrade was the fitment of an SAC airbox mod that sees more cold air making its way into the 2.0 litre FSI turbocharged engine for better all round performance.
This upgrade sees the power increase by around 15% and can be done in a single day at any one of our branches situated countrywide.
The cost varies depending on the quality of exhaust system you fit and whether you opt for a removable Power Plug unit over a hard wired Uni Q Chip.
The second stage of this project saw the cylinder head being removed, the rough edges being cleaned up, and the compression ratio dropped from a high 10.3.1 to 9.7.1 by removing a few cc’s from the combustion chambers.
The intake camshaft also received some attention so that it was now similar in lift and duration to the exhaust camshaft.
This option was done more for development sake than outright power, and there is only a marginal further 3% gain in overall power, and most of this gained by being able to add some extra timing due to the reduced compression.
None the less, you can opt to go this route if you want the most reliable horsepower that can be gained from a MK VI GTI without adding bigger turbos and intercoolers.
These upgrades translate into a GTI that makes around 180 kW and 330 Nm, up from 155 and 280 respectively!
Make no mistake; the GTI is already a very quick car in standard trim and gets to 100 km/h in 7 seconds, does the 1km sprint at 196 km/h and goes on to a true top speed of 240 km/h.
This is quick enough to see off Opel’s Astra OPC, Ford’s Focus ST and Mazda 3’s MPS, all substantially more powerful machines.
But the SAC GTI, which we had independently tested, now puts you in a position to tackle the likes of Audi’s mighty all wheel drive 188 kW / 350 Nm S3 Sportback, which by the way is what we put our car up against, and the outcome was nothing short of impressive!

If your Toyota Hilux is in need of brake pads replacements in South Africa, you are in the right place. Steves Auto Clinic supplies and replaces Toyota Hilux brake pads in South Africa, offering a professional service at very affordable prices. Why struggle to change your Toyota Hilux brake pads yourself, when you can have it taken care of in no time by professional technicians at a price that suits your pocket.

Steves Auto Clinic is a leading service provider when it comes to Toyota Hilux brake pads, wiper blades, oil changes, wheel changes, major and minor services and every other service you may require for your Toyota Hilux.

Your Toyota Hilux brake pads South Africa will be replaced professionally and efficiently

The Toyota Hilux is a popular choice when it comes to 4×4 vehicles in South Africa, and we can easily see why. When it comes to quality, reliability and power, this machine will deliver everything you expect and more. Steves Auto Clinic is specialised in offering Toyota Hilux services, repairs as well as performance upgrades. Changing your Toyota Hilux brake pads with Steves Auto Clinic in South Africa will be beneficial for you and your vehicle, as we have years of experience in Toyota Hilux brakes and other services.

When do your Toyota Hilux brake pads need to be replaced?

Fortunately, changing your Toyota Hilux brake pads is not something that needs to happen frequently. But when the time comes, it is advised to choose a reputable Toyota service centre in South Africa to take care of your beloved vehicle.

There are tell-tale signs that your Toyota Hilux brake pads need to be replaced, and can include any of the following:

• A pulsating / vibrating brake pedal when braking
• Clicking or rattling noise when brakes are applied
• When looking at the Toyota Hilux brake pads and they appear very thin in areas
• Any grinding or screeching sounds when applying the brakes
• When applying the brakes and the car pulls to one side

The above are all signs that you are in need of new brake pads for your Toyota Hilux or other vehicle, and you should never wait too long before replacing your vehicle’s brake pads. Brake pads are seen as your Toyota Hilux’s number one safety feature, which should be kept maintained.

After months of background preparation we are finally starting to see exciting progress with our Right to Repair Campaign.

A report has been compiled following research done by the Vaal Technical University on the state of the motor industry in South Africa and the consumers’ right to repair. The report has been circulated to members of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) for comment. Further to this MIWA is in the process of engaging with OEMs one-on-one to discuss the Right to Repair Campaign. We’ll keep you posted on the outcomes of these meetings.

Bosch has also pledged its support for the Campaign with an advert soon to go to market. Take a look at the article and link below. Lastly we are excited to have secured two brilliant international speakers for an exclusive breakfast event focussed purely on the Right to Repair Campaign at Automechanika in May. We are currently approaching key stakeholders to attend the event. You can read more in our lead article.

Enjoy this action-packed edition.

Les Mc Master

Chairman of MIWA

Steves Auto Clinic are experts in repairing or replacing Diesel Injectors and Turbo Chargers on Toyota D4D vehicles

Toyota’s Hilux is and has been South Africa’s number one selling vehicle for a good number of years now, followed closely by the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Prado, and that means that there are thousands of these vehicles on our roads with mileages that vary from brand new to a couple hundred thousand km. Contact the SAC Outlet in your area.

But is your Toyota D-4D not going like it used to go? Or is your Toyota D-4D smoking excessively? Or is your Toyota D-4D engine making horrible noises?

There are many myths surrounding turbodiesel cars and bakkies. Most of them inaccurate. We hear everyday how people must sell their Toyota D-4D’s before they hit 100 000 km because that is when the turbo or the diesel injectors will pack up. And that is when the D-4D’s are out of their standard service plan and warranty period, and this is when your D-4D will leave you with no option but to pay a hefty repair bill.

It is this type of misinformation that can literally cost you a fortune or even cause you to sell your Toyota D-4D Hilux, Fortuner or Prado in a hurry and at a financial loss when you in fact have a number of cost effective options available to you that will see your D-4D being on the road for many more miles at prices that make sense.

Toyota D-4D Diesel Injectors & Turbochargers

We at Steves Auto Clinic can offer you a number of options here from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) brand new replacement items, to better priced alternative supplier options to low cost and quality items right down to fully refurbished like new exchange units that can save you a substantial amount of money and keep your Toyota D-4D running like new.

Toyota Prado D-4D Diesel Injector and Turbo Charger Repairs and ReplacementsSAC are the specialists when it comes to Toyota D-4D diesel injector replacement and refurbishing as well as Toyota D-4D turbocharger replacement and refurbishing. So don’t think you have no choices or are automatically in for a massive repair bill, we have a host of options for you. Many of our D-4D customers have in excess of 300 000 km on the clock and have no plan on selling or trading in their vehicles due to a decent maintenance and repair option offered by our shops.

BOKSBURG

T: 087 551 7597

G4 Herman Pieterse Rd, Unit 5, Boksburg,
Gauteng South Africa

GPS: S-26°10′ 42 E28° 13′ 44

CAPE TOWN

T: 087 551 7518

450 Koeberg Road, Milnerton,
Cape Town

GPS: S 33°52′ 12 E 18° 30′ 22

CENTURION

T: 087 551 7603

97 Park Avenue, Highway,
Centurion, Pretoria
Gauteng South Africa

GPS: 25.8964° S, 28.1630° E

KLERKSDORP

T: 087 551 7627

Cnr Meteor & Chromium Road
Uraniaville Klerksdorp

GPS: S26°52’55.86” E26° 37’53.81”

MIDRAND/KYALAMI

T: 087 551 7738

32 Kyalami Blvd,
Kyalami Business Park,
Kyalami

GPS: S25°59’21.849” E28° 4’31.216”

NELSPRUIT

T: 087 551 7675

9A Wolfhaard Street, Nelspruit

GPS: S25°27’41.256” E30° 58’53.004”

PE

T: 087 551 7662 

Unit 14, Greenbushes Industrial Park,
Greenbushes, Port Edivzabeth

GPS: S33°55’46.268” E25° 26’13.033”

VANDERBIJLPARK

T: 087 551 7731 

3 Flaubert st, CW6,
Vanderbijlpark

GPS: S26°42’11.88” E27° 48’57.743”

31 Augustus 2017

Gekunstelde Mitsubishi Pajero Sport tref SA met massiewe waarde-aanbod

Die lang verwagte Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, wat danksy ’n magdom hipermoderne tegnologiese verbeterings hoog bokant sy gewigsklas boks, is hier.

• Gesofistikeerde motoragtige dinamiese verrigting soos legendariese Pajero
• Klasbeste outomatiese 8-gang-transmissie gekoppel aan sy uitmuntende MIVEC-turbodieselenjin van 430 Nm
• Uitmuntende Super Select 4-11 4WD-stelsel, nou beskikbaar met gevorderde elektroniese bystand, waaronder afdraandebeheer (HDC) en veldrybeheer vir skitterende klouvermoë
• Nuweling oorheers 4WD-segment wat waarde vir geld betref

Die wêreld se eerste passasiersvoertuig met voltydse vierwielaandrywing, die PX33, is in 1933 deur Mitsubishi bekend gestel. Vandag, meer as 80 jaar later, stel Mitsubishi sy splinternuwe Pajero Sport bekend – ’n luukse doelgeboude sportnutsvoertuig met soortgelyke rydinamika as baie kragtige, ruim en luukse sedans, maar teen ’n baie gunstiger prys as sy eweknieë: onder R600 000!

Hierdie stylvol ontwerpte nuwegenerasie-sportnuts van Mitsubishi bied aansienlik verbeterde bestuursdinamika, waaronder sy klasbeste outomatiese 8-gang-transmissie vir die 2WD- sowel as die 4WD-modelle – laasgenoemde met laestrek asook Mitsubishi se jongste weergawe van die Super Select 4-II 4WD-stelsel wat nou ook met elektroniese veldrybystand pronk.

Gesofistikeerde kragtige dryfstelsel

Die nuwe Pajero Sport word aangedryf deur Mitsubishi se nuwe hoëverrigting-MIVEC-turbodieselenjin wat met sy vier silinders altesaam 133kW teen 3 500r/min lewer. Sy skitterende wringkrag van 430Nm teen ’n beskeie 2 500r/min tesame met Mitsubishi se nuwe outomatiese 8-gang-transmissie wat die beste in sy klas is en intelligente wisselbeheer het, sorg vir moeitelose rydinamika.

Een van die mees gesogte eienskappe van die nuwe Pajero Sport is die jongste weergawe van Mitsubishi se unieke Super Select 4-II 4WD-stelsel, wat nou ook elektroniese veldrybystand bied.

Die veldry-ervaring wat deur die unieke Super Select 4-II 4WD-stelsel gebied word, word verder verbeter deur afdraandebeheer (HDC) wat bykomende veiligheid bied wanneer die voertuig oor gevaarlike terrein beweeg. Daarbenewens kan die bestuurder die veldrymodus kies wat klouvermoë op ongeteerde oppervlakke bevorder.

Die bykomende elektroniese bystand stel die bestuurder in staat om die gruis-, modder-, sneeu-, sand- of rots-stelling te kies om by die oppervlaktoestande te pas en wat die enjinverrigting, transmissie-instelling en remwerk vir beter klouvermoë te vervolmaak. Die agterste sluitewenaar wat by hierdie puik 4WD-stelsel gevoeg is, gee die nuwe Pajero Sport skitterende padhouvermoë onder enige omstandighede – op die pad en in die veld – wat hom feitlik onstuitbaar maak.

Die uiters soepel outomatiese 8-gang-transmissie het ook ’n Sport-modus met handratwisseling en wisselpedale aan die agterkant van die stuurwiel wat die bestuurder in staat stel om volle beheer vir sportrywerk of op kronkelpaaie, lang afdraandes en ongewone sleeptoestande uit te oefen.

Elegante stilering en hoëgehalte-ritgemak:

Die getroue Pajero-handelsmerk is geskiedkundig sinoniem met ’n sagte rit en gevoel, ’n stil kajuit met baie min geraas, vibrasie en grofheid (NVH), sowel as moderne stilering.

Die nuut-ontwerpte Pajero Sport is só gestileer dat hy gemaklik in sy omgewing inpas. Die voertuig sal dus in die smaak van stylbewuste individue val wat op soek is na ’n praktiese dog luukse voertuig wat in hul daaglikse behoeftes voorsien en ook aan hul avontuurstylbehoeftes voldoen.

Die nuwe Pajero Sport se kenmerkende stilering is energiek en opvallend, terwyl die nuweling dit onverskrokke stel dat hy enige terrein met gemak kan baasraak.

Die samevoeging van elegansie, ruimte, veiligheid en hipermoderne tegnologie het tot ratse stedelike ryverrigting, gemaklike ooppadry en asemrowende opwinding vir opwindende veldry-avonture gelei.

Ingeboude dakspore wys nie net dat hierdie motor ernstig is nie – ’n regstreekse gevolg daarvan is dat die verbeterde lugdinamika rigtingstabiliteit teen hoër snelhede sowel as verbeterde brandstofverbruik in die hand werk.

Die nuwe Pajero Sport se atletiese ontwerp met swart daklyswerk, swart modderskerms voor en agter, swart voorruitlyswerk, kleurkodes vir die voorste en agterste buffers sowel as ’n stylvolle lugskort agter onderskei die nuwe Mitsubishi-sportnuts van sy mededingers.

Ligdiode-kopligte met outomatiese gelykverstelling en dagligryligte (DRL’s), waaronder kopligwassers vir die 4WD-weergawe, is deel van die standaard-toerusting, terwyl ’n derde remlig met ligdiodes in die stertdeur vir bykomende veiligheid sorg.

“Mitsubishi se ingenieurs het die beste van alle wêrelde met die splinternuwe Pajero Sport onder die nuwe ontwerpkonsep, wat ‘Dynamic Cruising Off-Roader’ genoem word, gekombineer – ’n gevestigde vierwielaangedrewe sportnuts wat ‘n mens met selfvertroue aan die wêreld kan wys,” sê Nic Campbell, hoofbestuurder by Mitsubishi Motors Suid-Afrika.

Die nuweling pronk in ooreenstemming met sy Pajero-erfenis met dubbelmik-kronkelvere met ’n rolstaaf aan die voorkant en veelskakelvering met ’n rolstaaf aan die agterkant. Die stil rit, wat toegeskryf kan word aan sy sterk leerraam-onderstel wat alle geraas, vibrasies en grofheid (NVH) opslurp, gee die nuwe Pajero Sport ’n groot sedan-motoragtige rit en hantering.

Nog ’n massiewe voordeel van die nuwe Pajero Sport is sy toonaangewende draaisirkel van net 11,2m – die beste in sy klas (in vergelyking met tussen 11,6m en 12,2m vir ander vooraanstaande sportnutse).

Die ratse nuwe Pajero Sport draai op ’n tiekie met die soort maneuvreerbaarheid wat parkering vergemaklik, die voertuig vinnig deur ’n gaping op die snelweg laat glip en hindernisse op die pad moeiteloos vermy.

Luukse binneruim:

Wat die kajuiteienskappe betref, staan die jongste Mitsubishi Pajero trots in die teenwoordigheid van sy direkte mededingers en selfs baie duurder luukse sedans.

Die hoëgehalte-gevoel van die luukse binneruim bied die beste ruimte en gerief in sy klas met oorgenoeg kop- en beenruimte sowel as bergplek en ruimte vir bagasie of sporttoerusting vir avontuurlustiges.

Sagte leersitplekke bevorder die gehaltegevoel van die nuwe pajero Sport. Die bestuurdersitplek het elektriese werking, terwyl die tweede ry sitplekke 60:40-verdeling het met tuimel- en agteroorverstelling sowel as glywerking en ’n armleuning met bekerhouers in die middel.

’n Derde ry sitplekke vou plat in die vloer weg om so min as moontlik bagasieruimte op te neem wanneer dit nie gebruik word nie.

Die gemak van die insittendes word verder verbeter deur ’n kantel- en teleskopies verstelbare stuurkolom met wisselpedale, parkeerhulp agter met ’n trurat-kamera, dubbele outomatiese lugversorging met afsonderlike kontroles vir die agterste insittendes, en ’n elektriese parkeerrem.

Ander standaard-eienskappe, om maar net ’n paar te noem, sluit in sleutellose werking met ’n elektroniese aansitter, veelfunksie-leerstuurwiel met klank- en spoedbeheer, Bluetooth met handvrye stembeheer en wegvoubare elektries beheerde deurspieëls met ingeboude rigtingwysers.

Vyfster-veiligheid:

Niks is vir Mitsubishi belangriker as veiligheid nie. Noodsaaklike passasiersbeskermingseienskappe gekoppel aan Mitsubishi se versterkte romp-stelsel (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE)) het die Pajero Sport die hoogste gradering in die Australiese ANCAP-botsveiligheidstoets besorg – ’n hele vyf sterre, wat dit een van die veiligste voertuie op die pad en in die veld maak.

Ingeboude veiligheidskenmerke wat deel van die standaard-toerusting is, sluit in aktiewe klou- en stabiliteitsbeheer (ASTC), sluitwerende remme (ABS), elektroniese remkragverdeling (EBD), remhulpstelsel (BAS) en noodremhulp, terwyl ses lugsakke (bestuurder, passasier, sitplek- en kantlugsakgordyne) die veiligheidspakket wat die nuwe Pajero Sport nou bied, afrond.

Afdraandebeheer (HDC) en die nuwe elektroniese veldrybeheer voeg bykomende veiligheidsvoordele by die Pajero Sport se reeds indrukwekkende veldryverrigting.

Ligsensitiewe kopligte, reënsensor-ruitveërs, chromatiese truspieël, hoëgemonteerde derde ligdiode-remlig en ’n trukamera lewer alles ’n stewige bydrae tot die indrukwekkende lys veiligheidseienskappe van die nuwe Pajero Sport.

“Nog iets wat groot waarde tot die nuwe Pajero Sport voeg, is die feit dat baie van die bykomstighede deel van die voertuig se standaard-toerusting is in teenstelling met baie van sy mededingers waar dit bykomende koste lok. Dit maak ons nuwe sportnuts net nog aantrekliker,” sê Campbell.

’n Pakket vir die kieskeurige koper:

Die nuwe Pajero Sport-reeks bestaan uit twee hoëtoerusting-weergawes, 4×4 en 4×2, en word deur Mitsubishi se jongste en lewendige MIVEC turbodiesel-enjin aangedryf wat aan ’n splinternuwe outomatiese 8-gang-transmissie wat die beste in sy klas is, gekoppel is (met in begrip van ’n oordraratkas met laestrek vir die vierwielaangedrewe weergawe).

Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 2WD 8-gang-outomaties R569 995

Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 4WD 8-gang-outomaties R599 995

“As jy op soek is na waarde vir geld, sal dit moeilik wees om verder as die goed toegeruste en bekostigbare Pajero Sport 4WD-weergawe te kyk,” sê Campbell.

“Ons is vol vertroue dat die splinternuwe Pajero Sport fyn by ons bestaande produkreeks en klantebasis sal inpas terwyl dit ook nuwe leefstylklante met sy gesofistikeerde motoragtige rydinamika, luukse gemak en elegante styl sowel as sy bewonderenswaardige veldry-reputasie sal lok,” sê Campbell.

Waarborg en diens:

Die Mitsubishi Pajero het ’n vervaardigerswaarborg van drie jaar of 100 000km en ’n diensplan wat vir vyf jaar of 90 000km geld, met versieningstussenposes elke 10 000km.

Legendariese erfenis:

Die Mitsubishi Pajero, wat bykans 36 jaar gelede bekendgestel is, is ’n ware legende en roem hom daarop dat dit die suksesvolste voertuig in die geskiedenis van die Dakar-veldtydren is, met nie minder nie as 12 algehele oorwinnings op sy kerfstok, wat sewe agtereenvolgende oorwinnings insluit.

Meer as 500 000 Pajero Sport-weergawes is al wêreldwyd verkoop sedert Mitsubishi hierdie groot sportnuts-stalmaat van die beroemde Pajero in 2008 bekend gestel het.

Die splinternuwe Pajero Sport het ook al verskeie toekennings losgeslaan, soos Thailand se Motor van die Jaar vir 2016 en die beste vierwielaangedrewe sportnuts met ’n dieselenjin kleiner as 2,5 liter; Indonesië se OTOMOTIF-Motor van die Jaar vir 2016; Nieu-Seeland se top-leefstylsportnuts vir 2016 en die Oekraïne-Motor van die Jaar vir 2017 in die afdeling vir middelgrootte-sportnutse.

Einde

PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa, 6 September 2017 – The 2017 South African Cross Country Series is rapidly heading towards its grand finale, with only two of the season’s six events remaining. With three crews in contention for championship glory, it’s all to play for at the upcoming Sun City 400, based at the world-renowned resort in the scenic Pilanesberg.

Having scored a well-deserved debut victory last time out at the Harrismith 400, the Ford Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) Puma Lubricants crew of Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer managed to slash the points deficit to current log leaders Johan and Werner Horn (Malalane Toyota).

Woolridge and Dreyer are now just seven points adrift of the Toyota crew heading into the Sun City round. With that prized first win now in the bag, the Ford NWM young guns are more determined and motivated than ever to score maximum points once again as the tail end of the 2017 campaign looms ever closer.

Lance Woolridge and Ward Huxtable have scored podium finishes on all but the opening round in Lichtenburg, including a win at the Battlefields 400 and second place in Harrismith. This places them third in the championship with a seven-point deficit to Gareth and Boyd – thus making it a nail-biting three-way tussle for ultimate glory.

The third Ford NWM SAC Puma Lubricants pairing of Henk Lategan and Barry White have shown remarkable pace in their first cross country season, although two non-finishes have hampered their challenge this year. Nevertheless, they are fourth in the points log, placed well ahead of far more experienced teams, and remain serious contenders for race victories.

The Ford NWM team heads to Sun City on a high, with the victory in Harrismith followed a couple of weeks later with their second consecutive win at the arduous Rally dos Sertões in Brazil.

With the local crew supporting the X Rally Team on the punishing seven-day 3 300km event, Cristian Baumgart and co-driver Beco Andreotti took their second win in a row in the NWM-built and prepared Ford Ranger V8. Reinaldo Varela and Gustavo Gugelmin finished second overall in another NWM-built Ford Ranger run by South Racing, with the two Fords beating some of the highly favoured factory X-Raid MINIs – a proud achievement indeed for the Pietermaritzburg-based NWM team.

“It’s been an extremely busy but very rewarding couple of weeks for the NWM team, with our boys finishing one-two in Harrismith and then heading to Brazil for the Rally dos Sertões and achieving a double win plus two of our Rangers topping the podium,” says team principal Neil Woolridge.

“Back at home, the remaining crew has been working tirelessly to prepare all three Ford NWM Puma Lubricants Rangers for Sun City, and we are aiming to score maximum points in the last two rounds.

“The Sun City race has typically been a good one for us, having finished one-two there last year. It’s a really nice event, although the terrain is hard, rough and unforgiving,” Woolridge adds. “There has been good rain in the area so we’re expecting to have to contend with long grass, and the drivers will need to keep the cars on the road to avoid punctures.”

As per last year, there’s a 30km liaison section between the event headquarters at Sun City and the start of the race close to the village of Tweelaagte. The sprint qualifying session takes place on Friday 15 September from 13:30, with the main race being flagged off at 08:00 on Saturday.

There are two laps of the race route with a compulsory 20-minute service in between. The spectator points are located within easy reach of the Sun City complex, and public entry to these areas is free of charge.

Cross country fans can follow the action live on the RallySafe app for Apple and Android devices. The app can be downloaded free of charge from the relevant app store, and enables enthusiasts to track the cars on a detailed map, download split times and access results.

# # #

Ford and Neil Woolridge Motorsport are proud to be supported by the following sponsors for the 2017 SACCS: Puma Lubricants, Mastercraft, DeWalt, Sign Solutions, Parklane SuperSpar, Tiger Wheel & Tyre, Ironman 4×4 and Shatterprufe.

# # #

Follow the team’s updates and progress on www.facebook.com/FordPerformanceSA

For further information, press images and news releases, visit www.quickpic.co.za

Press release and photography by Colin Mileman

The Intercooler – Dastek Power Coolers

The SAC Group use Dastek Power coolers and other Dastek products for vehicle enhancing. These Intercoolers have been carefully researched and designed to offer the best efficiency, repeatability and value for money. The aluminium intercooler cores are internally and externally finned thus creating an excellent compromise between the cooling effect and minimal pressure losses.

The Toyota Hilux gd6 2.8 Intercooler is designed to keep your Hilux engine running at a cool temperature giving it a safe and reliable cool 6% power increase. The intercooler is designed and build to be a bolt on intercooler, to ensure no cutting or removal of any excess body parts is necessary.

For more information regarding intercoolers:

Intercooler Advantages

Intercooler Systems

Affalterbach. The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is loaded for transport to the International Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt. The presentation of the show car at the Mercedes-Benz Media Night on the eve of the IAA is the highlight of AMG’s 50-year anniversary. The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the most ambitious project the performance and sports car brand has ever planned. The hybrid engine from Formula 1 and the electrified front axle provide a fascinating combination of performance and efficiency.

Contacts:

Shirle Greig

Tel:  012 677 1904

Shirle.greig@daimler.com

More information from Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG is available on the internet at: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com