If a year ago you had told me what 2020 has in store for us I would have told you to stop watching apocalyptic movies. Yet here we are, masks and all. This is going to be the new normal for quite some time. I remember the odd person wearing a mask. What started off as a self help precaution for the concerned have now evolved into a governed requirement. I am not going to make any further mention of this “sensitive” subject, just know that it’s a given. This article will deal more with how the mask affects our interaction and communication. Most of our social interaction depends on seeing the human face. Unfortunately the covered part plays a major role in communication. In short the eyes deal with trust and feelings of openness, while the mouth area deals with ‘happy’ and ‘unhappy’ reactions. It’s already awkward trying to keep your distance from people and now you can’t even smile to hide your embarrassment. Not being able to see the face as a whole leads to a feeling of greater distance between people. Depending on your mood at any given time, you are likely to make the wrong assumption about another person’s intentions. This in turn adds more stress to the current situation. A few examples: We need to stand in rows before entering a shop. Things get pinned to us for regulating instore numbers. The door guards and people around us seem to be rude. Even with social distancing in place we still get into situations where a bunch of strangers huddle around us. Everyone seems to be a Covid 19 expert. The lockdown damaged our financial status. Crime seems to be on the increase. Indeed this seems to be the new normal. I still get a sense of disbelief only to remind myself, “hey buddy, you are living in it.”So what do I make of the ‘new normal’ imposed on us? Do I like it? “No.” Is it necessary? “Misguided, but yes it is.” I would like to believe that we are a strong community regardless of personal interest and beliefs. We always come together for the greater good. Please be as patient as you possibly can. We are all inconvenienced by something that is out of our control. I am not just saying this for the mere fact of stating the obvious. I, myself, am unlucky to be equipped with a short fuse and sharp witted mind… I know we are mostly in the game for ourselves but remember to play well with others.
Suzuki has just released the brand new Gixxer 250 SF here in South Africa. This is not just a cosmetic update of the previous model, but a brand new motorcycle altogether. The previous model was known as the GSX 250 R and it was based on the twin-cylinder Inazuma 250. Even though it looked every bit like the iconic GSXR 1000, burdening it with the GSX badge and slapping an R at the end was a bit cheeky from Suzuki. It was a very tame and unintimidating bike that ran out of puff at the 140 km/h mark. Fortunately, for beginner riders the bike was perfect and the stunning looks were a definite plus.
As far as styling goes, the new bike looks like Suzuki has moved the whole fairing forward over the front wheel. With the larger headlight, the bike also looks more aggressive. According to Suzuki they have stiffened up the suspension and issued the bike with slightly wider tyres and a larger front disk. ABS is still standard on the Gixxer. The bike comes with an unsightly hugger over the rear wheel, but I am sure Suzuki will remove it for you at no extra cost. I am also not too fond of the chrome exhaust tips. I would have opted for a brushed aluminium look, but now I am just nit-picking.
In terms of performance, Suzuki has ditched the twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine in favour of an oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine. There is very little difference between the engines in terms of power output, but the new engine certainly feels more responsive, especially in the midrange. Even in top gear, at the speed limit, twisting the throttle actually translates into some accelerated forward motion. Because of the better response, riding in traffic is more reassuring. You still have to go with the flow of traffic, but it has adequate power now to get you out of a tight spot.
The top speed is up by about 10 km/h but the downside of running the single cylinder at these speeds is that it does get quite buzzy. I almost felt sorry for the bike. But, it is a Suzuki. It will probably outlast me.
Fortunately the new Gixxer has lost none of it charm when the roads get twisty. There is something about riding a small capacity bike fast. The bike is light and can induce a smile when you point it at a corner. It is simply not fast enough for you to get yourself into serious trouble and the slightly wider tyres make the corners even more enjoyable.
Where the previous model was a jazzed up commuter, this one tends to lean more to the sporty side while remaining a commuter. It would make the ideal beginners bike and if you have to start somewhere, at least you will have a good looking bike. Currently the price for the Gixxer is R 49 900, but with the deteriorating exchange rate, this price might change sooner than later. So best you get yourself down to your Suzuki dealer and secure yours.
Article & Photos: Brian Cheyne. This article originally appeared in Issue 64 of Ultimate Drive.
Long-term readers may recall that back in the dim but not so distant past, I had a Suzuki Swift Sport in my personal wheeled armoury, having selected it as appropriate transport for my wife who had a preference for smaller vehicles. Having said that, a lower end 1.2 Swift would probably have been entirely fit for madame’s purposes so I admit that the (last generation)1.6 Sport derivative was a sop to my own preferences, albeit that my extensive reading had identified this version as the sweet spot of the Swift range.
Indeed, this diminutive hatch proved to be an admirable choice, being totally reliable and a hoot to drive provided the revs were kept in the upper stratosphere as torque was not its strong suit. It was also endowed with a nimbleness that I doubt my wife ever knew about.
Now zoom the clock along to 2019 and Suzuki’s SA importers announced the rather delayed arrival of a new generation, lighter-still Swift Sport, now with a lot more huff and puff thanks to the presence of a turbocharger bolted to a down-sized 1.4 motor. My first experience of this model was on a race track in the Dalmas district and although punting a car at its limits can be awfully entertaining, it doesn’t telegraph too much about likely on-road performance, so come 2020, I was really glad of the opportunity to be handed a metallic red example for a week’s assessment in the real world.
This latest incarnation looks little different from the original, bar a lower, wider frontal execution – that I don’t think looks as chunky as the original – and a more bloated tail with huge lamps that sweep into the rear fenders, these being the most obvious differentiators. There’s a more attractive range of colours on offer too, my favourite being the metallic red that adorned this very example.
I took an instant shine to the gloss levels on display. Certainly, those tasked with assembling this Swift took good care of panel alignment as all four doors, the tailgate and the bonnet fitted with commendable precision. As a result, the doors opened and closed nicely and thanks in part to the fitment of dual seals all round, wind noise was rebuffed with aplomb.
As ever with Suzuki, the front seats are heftier than might be expected, being nicely shaped and supportive, and along with the tightly packaged split bench in the rear, the patterned cloth inserts incorporate red flecks to complement the red stitching. I rather liked the red and black trim inserts used on the upper and lower dash and the front doors, items that signalled this is the Sport version, and it was good to see plated interior release handles on all doors.
The instrument cluster, complete with two large analogue dials flanking a digital display screen looks a little ornate in daylight but comes alive at night with lovely white and red lighting providing exceptional clarity. Aircon is looked after by simple rotary controllers while a central infotainment display, complete with rear camera view and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, is part of an equipment package that also includes folding mirrors, LED lamps, electric windows all round, cruise control, Bluetooth, fully adjustable, multi-functional steering wheel, six airbags and more.
So how does this pared down 970kg Swift Sport shape-up in terms of driving dynamics? Happily, the answer is “extremely well.” First off, there’s a complete character change from the previous 1.6 normally aspirated iteration which required lots of revs to get the best out of it. Now, despite an increase of just 3kW to 103kW, the torque output has leapt by 70Nm to 230Nm accessible from just 2 500 rpm, with the result that there’s attainable thrust on tap pretty well all the time.
Turbo lag is virtually non-existent and thanks to a 6-speed auto transmission (this is an optional extra) that shifts rapidly and with commendable smoothness and which offers paddle shifters together with manual override, the engine is kept in its sweet spot in perpetuity. The biggest complement I can pay this under-stressed engine is that it masks typical turbo weak points, such as lag, but provides all the benefits, not least low revs at cruising speed which helps hugely in achieving an impressive overall economy reading of 6.9l/100km over a week’s usage.
Even if it carries the same badging and looks much the same as its predecessor, I reiterate that this latest forced-induction version is a much more mature machine. There’s absolutely no need to wring its neck – it gets to 100 in around 8s and goes to 200+ km/h, by the way – to stay ahead of the traffic so the overriding feel is of a much calmer but even more effective operator. At lower speeds, there is a just detectable husky tone emanating from the two chromed exhaust outlets and much less mechanical fuss invades the cabin, but having said that, at full chat the small four can sound a lad strident but never invasive.
Maybe slightly more decibels from the exhaust wouldn’t go amiss given the Sport badge but there’s no need to fiddle with anything as far as steering and suspension go. The MacPherson strut/torsion beam set-up errs a tad on the side of firmness but still retains sufficient pliancy to remain comfortable on partly broken surfaces. Probably the rather mildly profiled 195/50R16 tyres wrapped around smart duo-tone alloys help here. Rebound control is excellent and roll is shrugged off with determination in hard cornering when steadfast grip is exhibited.
Straight line tracking is also exemplary, and the feel and weighting of the steering is perfectly judged. Gearing is pretty direct, but not so much so that the helm feels darty, and at speed there’s a reassuring firmness on hand along with a good measure of feedback that telegraphs just what the driven front wheels are doing. In many applications, the assistance offered in the steering department is invasive but not here. If it weren’t for the ease with which parking manoeuvres can be carried out, you’d barely know the system is powered.
Braking is provided courtesy of discs all round and even if there’s a tad too much boost delivered at low speeds, the retardation levels are reassuring and there seems to be plenty in reserve courtesy of system that incorporates ABS, EBD and more.
All this should tell you that the latest Swift Sport is a super driving machine that delivers even more thrust with a lot less fuss than before. Purists might guffaw if I state that the turbo engine combines beautifully with the auto transmission, but this would be my personal choice. Add in excellent chassis control and frugal use of fuel and you have a rewarding piece of kit in dynamic terms.
SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT A/T: Pricing from R337 900; Service Plan: 4yr/60 000km; Warranty: 3yr/100 000km (check for promotions).
Toyota se Hilux bakkie storm na vyf dekades steeds voort om verkope in sy segment in Suid Afrika te domineer. Na 50 jaar op plaaslike bodem bly dit een van bakkie-mal Suid Afrika se gunsteling bakkies. Toyota SA erken dit dan ook deur gereeld ‘n spesiale uitgawe model beskikbaar te maak wat as die “Legend” bekend staan. Oor die jare was daar die Legend 35, 40, 45 en nou die Legend 50 om die vyftigjarige bestaan van die Hilux naam te gedenk. Die nuwe Legend 50 is juis so ‘n model wat met die spesiale “Legend”-pakket in voorkoms en toerusting uitstaan en erkenning gee aan die Hilux se legendariese status die eerste Hilux se verskyning in 1969.
Die “Legend 50” pakket is nou die top pakket en vervang die “Raider” as die topmodel in die Hilux Reeks. Ons toetsmodel was die 4×4 dubbelkajuitweergawe in die Legend 50 reeks en is toegerus met Toyota se 2.8-liter GD-6 turbodiesel met 130 kW en 430 Nm aangesien dit gekoppel is aan die 6-gang handratkas.
Met die bekendstelling van die Dakar-weergawe van die Hilux in 2018, het Toyota begin met kosmetiese veranderinge waaronder ‘n nuwe vooraansig met herontwerpte ligte en sierrooster. Dit het groot byval gevind by kopers. Hierdie veranderinge is nou behou met die nuwe Legend 50, behalwe dat Toyota nou blinkswart in die plek van chroom by die legend 50 gebruik vir onder meer die sierrooster, rolstaaf agter asook in die sierwiele, agterbuffer en met die kantstroke en trappe. Verder is daar Legend 50 insignia op die rolstaaf, agterklap, sierrooster en voor op deure onder die kantspieels. Die LED hoofligte inkorporeer ook nou LED dagryliggies.Die kantspieels, dakrelings, deurhandvatsels en insignia op die agterklap is egter steeds blink chroom en sorg vir mooi afwisseling.
‘n Sleepstang en swaardiens bakseil is ook deel van die standaardtoerusting sou jy die Legend 50 koop. Spesiaal ontwerpte tweekleur 18-duim allooiwiele met 265/60/R18 “All Terrain” rubber maak seker dat die legend 50 kan omtrent enige terrein met gemak kan baasraak wat selfs die slegste sinkplaat grondpad met redelike gemak hanteer danksy die 60-profiel bande..
Die Legend 50 se binneruim bied slegs geringe verbeteringe teenoor byvoorbeeld die Dakarmodel van die Hilux en sluit ondermeer swart leerafwerking met ligblou stikwerk, ‘n blinkswart inlegstrook oor die breedte van die voorpaneel wat stylvol met ‘n chroomstrook belyn is. Legend 50 bakkies kry ook eksklusief Legend 50 insignia op die matte. Die dak is ook met swart materiaal afgewerk.
Verder bied die wit agtergrond van die instrumentepaneel ‘n treffende voorkoms terwyl die 8 duim TFT multi-info skerm gebruikersvriendelike raakfunksies bied wat in ‘n praktiese en maklike uitleg uitgelê word. Die stelsel is opgegradeer met verbeterde funksionaliteit.
Terwyl die veranderings ooglopend slegs kosmeties is, was daar vir ons tog merkbare verandering in die ritgehalte en stuurgevoel van die nuwe bakkie. Die kajuit was verbasend stil met min pad- en windgeraas selfs teen platvoetspoed. Die nuweling het padvas en stuurgetrou gevoel met min bakrol, terwyl hantering en paddinamika op die teer- en grondpad aangenaam verras het.
Volgens maandelikse NAAMSA syfers voer Hilux bakkies meeste maande in die jaar die botoon wanneer verkoopsyfers bekend gemaak word. Verder sal statistieke van gebruikte voertuigverkope bevestig dat Hilux bakkies van die hoogste terugkoopwaardes behaal. Spesiale modelle soos spesifiek die Legend-reeks is nog meer gesog onder kopers van gebruikte voertuie. Veral die spesiale voorkoms pakket van die Legend 50 behoort kopers van Toyota bakkies te laat kwyl van begeerte, aangesien dit na my mening die mooiste Hilux bakkie tot datum is!
Toyota Hilux Legend 50 Dubbelkajuit: Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend 50 6-spoed handrat R684,500
After a lot of speculation and great expectation among the biker fraternity, the covers finally came off the showroom windows as Garden Route Motorcycles opened its doors for business. A host of specials awaited as eager bikers walked through the doors on opening morning. The original opening had to be postponed due to the national lockdown, but if anything it worked in the shop’s favour making avid bikers even more eager to get back into the saddle.
Owner Paul Manolas has been in the motorcycle industry for 40 years, nine of which as a technician in a Honda and Yamaha dealership in Bloemfontein. Eight years following that involved importing, sales and distribution of motorcycles and the remainder he spent as owner of the Honda dealership in Bloemfontein (Honda Wing Central).Garden Route Motorcycles and Honda Wing Central are in the privileged position to share expertise, availability of spares, accessories and pre-owned motorcycles – as both businesses are very much considered to be one business operating in two locations.The showroom is packed with a wide range of accessories from helmets, rider gear and boots, to tyres and bike accessories. The workshop has two service bays, behind glass, so you can see how they are working on your pride and joy or you can relax at the coffee and biltong bar. It is an upmarket business and a worthy addition to the products and services on offer to the Southern Cape Biker community.
Our local Publication excels! No less than three Ultimate Drive Motoring Scribes will serve on the Jury.
The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) recently announced the Jury and Trainee Jury members for the 2021 South African Car Of The Year.The criteria for Jury eligibility includes:
All candidates must be members in good standing with the SAGMJ
A member must have completed a minimum of two years of Jury training, however in exceptional circumstances could be considered after a one-year trainee program.
Jury members must be active members of the SAGMJ for a minimum of three years.
A Jury member must be an industry-recognized journalist who participates in the industry by attending manufacturer launch events, and/or by driving test vehicles during the eligibility period.
Following a vote by the Full membership of the SAGMJ, the following members of the Guild have been nominated and vetted by the Executive Committee as the Jury, Trainee jurors and Reserves for the 2021 competition, and have confirmed their participation:2021 South African Car of the Year Jurors (in alphabetical order)The eligibility period for vehicle ranges that may be considered for the 2021 South African Car of the Year competition is from 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020.The SA Guild of Motoring Journalists is the custodian of the South African Car of the Year competition since 1986 and has a long-standing heritage of awarding automotive excellence. It remains the most prestigious and credible Car Competition in South Africa and continues to evolve to remain on the cutting edge, aligning itself with practices of the World and European Car of the Year competitions.
The future is in your hands, you just have to plant the right seeds. These words could not be more relevant in the crisis our world currently battles. The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it another major hurdle, and that is one of critical hunger.Arguably the greatest need one could face, is that of hunger – and sadly, one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. The sustainability of food security comes in helping communities to help themselves. The most successful solution to this, is that of teaching people to grow their own food and to use excess provisions for bartering and sales, thereby generating an income.The Living Pantry project, initiated by the Eden Lions Club and the LoveGeorge Network, has been launched to promote the growth of permaculture community gardens. With the guidance and direction of experts, they hope to see a new excitement in the region as nutritious and healthy fruits and vegetables reach our tables, from right out of our own gardens.At a time when schools are closed and fighting to get back to some normality, essential learning still takes place – perhaps a different kind of learning, where our youth are taught real life skills for survival. This has been demonstrated by Liam McDonald, a grade 6 learner from Glenwood House, who has started his own project, Feed a Friend. By collecting non GMO heirloom seeds for the Living Pantry he will be able to help those who will be creating their very own urban gardens.Liam McDonald – Grade 6, Glenwood HouseLiam has shown amazing initiative and can be commended for his contribution towards one of the most important projects our city will see during this time. If you would like to support Liam and the Living Garden project, please watch out for the FEED OUR FRIENDS posters at key locations, and make your contribution towards the cause.The first donation box is already placed at Hygrotech George, other locations will be announced on the official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/287321085782933/Seed donation box located at Hygrotech GeorgeFor more information, or to become one of our first Champion Gardeners, please join the facebook page above or Whatsapp Carl van Blerk on 082 826 0731.
Even though the country is moving into Level 3 and all businesses can start to function, we still believe that there are many people who is in need of food. Our next phase is to help 25 Feeding Centers to enable them to hand out food twice a week with 2 meals.The cost is R 750 per day for 2 meals which feeds 40 to 50 people.That is R 1500 per week or R 6000 per month for 1 soup kitchen.How can you help?You can adopt a feeding centre and support them for 3 months. You can decide if you want to support 1 day or 8 days. It is all up to you.We can supply you with a Tax certificate if needed, please contact Herman for details.Quick links to payment ooptions:Givengain:https://bit.ly/loveggivePayfast:https://bit.ly/lovegrpayfastEFT: Love Garden Route NPC (2018/544129/08) Account number: 10 11 022 552 8; Standard Bank Branch: George; Branch code: 051001; Swift address: SBZA ZA JJ.Remember to mark it for Covid 19Contact Herman Pienaar @ 0828296428 if you are interested and want to sign up and André Olivier at 0825518900 for the logistics.(Please watch the video below)
LoveGeorge – Georgiete, we need your financial assistance! Currently we need R40 000 per week, to supply food items to 25 Nutrition Centres as well as food hampers across George, we cannot do it without your help!Quick links to Givengain: https://bit.ly/loveggive Payfast: https://bit.ly/lovegrpayfastBank detail for EFT: Love Garden Route NPC (2018/544129/08) Account number: 10 11 022 552 8; Standard Bank Branch: George; Branch code: 051001; Swift address: SBZA ZA JJ. Remember to mark it for Covid 19
Garden Route Motorcycles and Honda Wing Central are in the privileged position to share expertise, availability of spares, accessories and pre-owned motorcycles – as both businesses are very much considered to be one business operating in two locations.The showroom is packed with a wide range of accessories from helmets, rider gear and boots, to tyres and bike accessories. The workshop has two service bays, behind glass, so you can see how they are working on your pride and joy or you can relax at the coffee and biltong bar. It is an upmarket business and a worthy addition to the products and services on offer to the Southern Cape Biker community.
Garden Route Motorcycles and Honda Wing Central are in the privileged position to share expertise, availability of spares, accessories and pre-owned motorcycles – as both businesses are very much considered to be one business operating in two locations.The showroom is packed with a wide range of accessories from helmets, rider gear and boots, to tyres and bike accessories. The workshop has two service bays, behind glass, so you can see how they are working on your pride and joy or you can relax at the coffee and biltong bar. It is an upmarket business and a worthy addition to the products and services on offer to the Southern Cape Biker community.
The eligibility period for vehicle ranges that may be considered for the 2021 South African Car of the Year competition is from 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020.The SA Guild of Motoring Journalists is the custodian of the South African Car of the Year competition since 1986 and has a long-standing heritage of awarding automotive excellence. It remains the most prestigious and credible Car Competition in South Africa and continues to evolve to remain on the cutting edge, aligning itself with practices of the World and European Car of the Year competitions.
