Weekly SA Mirror

RENAULT KIGER A TIGER OF COMPACT SUVS

COUPE-LIKE:  Attractive looker could easily be misconstrued as an overgrown Kwid

By Ali Mphaki

It’s got a steering wheel, four wheels, an engine and can accommodate five adults, but not of the amapakisha type. Unmistakably French it comes at a knockout price just shy of R200 000.

Punted as the narrowest of any compact SUV, the Renault Kiger makes a good proposition for those looking for an affordable compact hatchback which is also, well, not bad looking either.

Thing is size, despite what others want us to think, definitely matters.

Which is why at 3,991mm in length and 1,750mm in width and based on a 2,500mm wheelbase parking blues are a thing of the past when you drive the Kiger and there is an added benefit of getting the best of both worlds, performance and fuel efficiency thanks to its 1.0L turbo petrol engine.

What immediately draws you is its large chrome-embellished front grille and the sculpted bonnet that makes it appear wider than it is.

And unlike the typical boxy SUV look, the Kiger distinguishes itself by its raked rear windscreen, tapering roofline and distinct spoiler element, all of which lends it a SUV-coupe-like profile. At the back are the 3D, C-shaped LED tail-lamps with gloss black elements.

The roof rails which can take loads up to 50 kg and the smart 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 205mm of ground clearance adds to what is a decent package.

According to Renault, there are 710mm of space between the front and rear seats, gifting second-row passengers 222mm and 1 413mm of leg- and elbow room, respectively. And while boot space should be adequate, it can be increased to 879L with the rear bench folded down.

The cabin is further bolstered by storage compartments totalling 29L. These include four 1.0-litre water bottle holders, 7.5L in the central armrest, and 10.5L in the glove compartment. The upper and lower glove box capacity totals 14.9L

The Kiger is available in three spec grades, namely Life, Zen and Intens. 

The normally aspirated models are sold with a two-year/30 000km service plan and the turbo variants get a three-year/45 000km plan.

Wonder if Renault would be introducing a diesel variant soon, but that does not take away the fact that the Kiger is a sensible buy.

CHERY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Chery, one of the most respected vehicle manufacturers in China and the winning brand in the 2020 China National Car of the Year competition, is now officially back in South Africa, with sales of its new product range starting in November this year.

At a briefing at its new head office in Bryanston, Johannesburg, the company announced the establishment of Chery South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the industrial powerhouse and China’s top vehicle export brand for the past 18 years. 

South Africa now becomes the newest member of a global network with a family of over 9.5 million owners across more than 80 countries and regions. Indeed, according to Chery, a new overseas owner is added to its family every two minutes. Chery South Africa is now completing the appointment of the first thirty national dealers and preparing to introduce the first vehicles – expected here by November

MICHELIN TYRES POWERS SOWETO MOTORBIKE SCHOOL

Michelin Tyre Company South Africa has announced its partnership with the Soweto Motorbike School, a skills development initiative based at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg. Michelin built the school a full and secure motorbike track that incorporates the various terrains possible in urban traffic networks such as steep climbs, descents, and flat stretches.

“We are very proud to be partners with the Soweto Motorbike School. It is an institution for motorbike lovers in South Africa and it has left an indelible mark in the lives of many young people in Johannesburg and beyond,” said Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie, MD of Michelin South Africa.

The Soweto Motorbike School was established in 2008 by motorbike enthusiast, Alfred Matamela, as a means of engaging youth. On average 64, people are trained monthly, and to date, the academy has trained more than 3000 riders.

“We believe that more young people will be trained, and that the skills they will receive will help them find jobs and build businesses to support their livelihoods,” said Matamela

GOING ALL THE WAY ELECTRIC

Despite supply chain constraints, global electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2021 increased by an estimated 160%, with around 2.6 million units sold. This is according to the latest global EV market research report, “Electric vehicle outlook: 2021 and beyond”, compiled by research firm Canalys. EVs include fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 

The report notes the growth of EV sales far exceeded that of the total global gas-powered vehicle market, which was up 26%, with demand returning as COVID-19 restrictions eased in many markets, though overall car sales are still below pre-pandemic levels.

The top five best-selling EVs:

·      Tesla led the worldwide EV market with a 15% share, with sales remaining strong in production in Mainland China.

·      Volkswagen Group was second, with a 13% market share, and it led in Europe.

·      SGMW, the combination of SAIC, GM and Wuling, came third with an 11% market share.

·      BMW Group came fourth, with a 6% share in H1 2021.

Stellantis was fifth with 6% share.

LAND ROVER NO TIME TO DIE

In honor of its 38-year association with the James Bond franchise, Land Rover has released a limited-edition Defender 110. Exclusively made in the 110 body style for the U.S., the British automaker has earmarked 15 models for the U.K. available in the 90 and 110 body styles. Inspired by the upcoming Bond film No Time to Die, there will be 300 examples of the blacked-out Defender produced.

Based on the four-door 110 model, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V-8 James Bond Edition features custom work by Land Rover SV Bespoke in the U.K. Power to the 007-inspired Defender comes from a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 rated at 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The all-black luxury SUV has a top speed of 149 mph and can reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds

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