September 21, 2020 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mitsubishi Motors SA launches most stylish Pajero Sport to date

vuyi on September 21, 2020

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) is taking an upmarket approach with the launch of the latest version of the New Pajero Sport.

The Mitsubishi Pajero – first launched almost 38 years ago – is a true legend and lays claim to being the most successful vehicle in the history of the Dakar Rally, with no fewer than 12 wins, including seven consecutive victories.

More than 3.3 million Pajero derivatives have been sold world-wide since Mitsubishi first introduced the famous Pajero in 2006.

The new Pajero Sport is extremely important to Mitsubishi Motors and it ticks all the boxes to become our hero model
– Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa

The all-new Pajero Sport was named one of the finalists in the 2019 South African Car of the Year competition.

The new “Boss of the Mitsubishi Stable” will turn heads thanks to more style and more luxury as well as various improvements thanks to Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design approach.

“The new Pajero Sport is extremely important to Mitsubishi Motors and it ticks all the boxes to become our hero model, says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa. “It is important to note that Mitsubishi Motors is taking a new direction, focusing on growing market segments – and the new Pajero Sport certainly leads the way for our future.”

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Image courtesy of Quickpic

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

EXTERIOR: According to Campbell, the Dynamic Shield design, which is the new face of the Mitsubishi brand, symbolising its tough, prestigious, and legendary heritage, is clearly visible on the Pajero Sport’s front.

One of the most outstanding visual features of the new Pajero Sport is its new Dynamic Shield front grille, giving the upgraded version an enhanced, more stylish and modern look. This includes LED headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps and cornering lamps. To the rear, the new Pajero Sport boasts a thicker bumper with a rear diffuser to highlight the Pajero Sport’s stable stance on the road.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Image courtesy of Quickpic

ENGINES: Mitsubishi’s most stylish Pajero Sport Exceed 8-speed A/T 4×4 is powered by the proven 2.4L MIVEC DOHC Intercooled Turbodiesel, 133Kw, 430Nm engine. It features a 68-litre fuel tank and has 218mm ground clearance. The new Pajero Sport joins existing powertrains being the:

2.4L MIVEC Turbodiesel 8-speed A/T 4×2
2.4L MIVEC Turbodiesel 8-speed A/T 4×4

Make no mistake – this is a very safe, quality-built machine
– Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa

SAFETY: To help keep occupants safe, the Pajero Sport has a variety of passive safety features such as:

7 airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors
Active stability
Traction control (ASTC)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
Emergency brake assist system (BAS)
Hill-start assist system (HAS)
Dusk-sensing headlights
Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
Rear park distance control
Rear-view camera

“Make no mistake – this is a very safe, quality-built machine,” says Campbell.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Image courtesy of Quickpic

DRIVER FRIENDLY AND LUXURIOUS INTERIOR: Improvements have also been done to the already quality and comfortable cabin, offering a soft, luxurious feel, more leg room and elbow space, the aforementioned additional outlets and ports and the seven high-quality, comfortable leather seats.

“The Pajero Sport is our hero in the Mitsubishi line-up with a truly luxurious, yet practical interior,” says Campbell. This includes outstanding innovation and convenience with:

Tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering column
Multi-function leather-clad steering wheel with audio and cruise control settings
Bluetooth with hands-free voice control
8-inch smart link display with apple car play and android auto
Full-colour digital instrument display
Automatic dual-zone air-conditioning throughout the 7-seater cabin
Electric windows
Electric parking brake with auto hold function
USB and additional accessory sockets (dual USB for the rear passengers)
220ac 150-watt power plug
Power tilt and sliding sunroof
Mitsubishi remote control connectivity and
Electronic Tailgate with Dual Kick Sensors

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Image courtesy of Quickpic

LEGENDARY 4X4 CAPABILITIES: “The 4×4 driver selector dial on the new Exceed allows the driver to select between no less than four driving modes,” says Campbell. “Serious adventurers can rest assured that Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select 4WD II system is among the best in the world and will be an asset on any excursion.

“The Pajero Sport has a 30-degree approach angle, the best in its class, which allows adventurers to challenge tough obstacles head-on, while the 24-degree departure angle will get you back down safely.”

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Image courtesy of Quickpic

Colour: The 2020 Pajero Sport colour palette has been extended by two hues: White Diamond and Graphite Grey.

Pricing: Mitsubishi Motors South Africa offers the three derivatives, including the new Exceed, at competitive prices:

Mitsubishi Sport 4×2 Auto: R609 995
Mitsubishi Sport 4×4 Auto: R659 995
Mitsubishi Sport Exceed: R679 995

Warranty and Service: The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a 3-year/100 000km manufacturer’s warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan with 10 000km service intervals.

The only time when you should NEVER hit the brakes

vuyi on September 21, 2020

Hydroplaning happens when your tyres lose contact with the road

Driving in the rain can be quite dangerous even for the most seasoned of drivers. Not only are the roads slicker but as the water mixes with oil and other substances, the roads become slippery too. Rain also reduces visibility and puddles of water could hide deep potholes.

In order to best prepare for downpours, make sure that your wiper blades are in good condition, that your tires have sufficient tread on them and that your car has been serviced to ensure that all lights and the braking system work optimally.

WHAT IS HYDROPLANING?

Even when the best of measures have been considered, there is still a possibility of losing control of your car when driving in the rain and one of the most common occurrences is hydroplaning (also known as aquaplaning).

Hydroplaning happens when your tyres lose contact with the road due to a build up of water between the types and the surface of the road. This leads to a loss of traction which prevents the car from responding to driver input such as the application of brakes. Low tyre tread also contributes to lack of sufficient traction. When hydroplaning happens, your car could veer to the side even though you are pointing the wheels straight ahead.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAR HYDROPLANING?

As frightening as this might be it is important not to panic and equally important not to stomp on the brakes or swerve.
The best thing to do is to ease your foot off the brakes, and gently steer your car in the direction you want it to do.
Although the vehicle will continue to skid, it is best to wait for the skid to end or for your car to slow down enough for you to regain control of it.
Whatever you do NEVER jerk the steering wheel as this could cause the vehicle to overturn.

7 things your car needs to be ready for a road trip

vuyi on September 21, 2020

If you are planning a long distance drive over the upcoming long weekend or any other, its important that you don’t embark on a trip without making sure that you car can handle the drive. ITs one thing to have a breakdown near your home or in the familiarity of your home city but mechanical failure hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town can be inconvenient to put it mildly.

Before you take to the open road make sure your car is thoroughly inspected, preferably by an expert. These are some of the basic checks a pre-road trip should entail:

TYRE PRESSURE: It is important to ensure that your tyres are not over or under inflated. The correct tyre pressure will improve tyre maintenance and fuel efficiency, keeping you and your family safe while saving you money in the long term.

ENGINE COOLANT: Many drivers understand that their cars need coolant but don’t fully understand why. Coolant protects the the metal and non-metal parts within the engine from freezing or overheating. It plays an important role in maintaining engine heat and ensuring the engine functions optimally, which will minimize your chances of getting stuck on the side of the road due to an overheating engine.

BRAKES: Without a doubt your braking system is one of the most important safety features in your car. Brake pads should be checked by a professional, especially if you hear any abnormal sounds such as squealing and screeching or feel vibrations whenever you engage the brakes.

WIPER BLADES: The worst time to discover that your wiper blades are worn is in the middle of a rain storm. streaks and smears indicate worn blades will hinder your ability to see through the windscreen clearly. Having your car checked before a long distance drive identify problems with the blades, giving you an opportunity to have them replaced for the benefit of your safety.

BATTERY: Your car battery is the heart of your vehicle for all its electronics. The battery interacts with more components in your vehicle than you may know exist. It also stores electricity then sends out jolts to every electrical element in your car. Not only does it power the electrical components, but it also keeps the electrical current in your car steady, which means it makes sure your car starts and has enough electricity to stay running. If poorly maintained your car battery has the ability to completely shut your car down leaving your stranded.

LIGHTS: Not only do headlights, taillights, brake lights and indicators go a long way towards ensuring your on -road safety, but they make you more visible to other road users too. replacement globes for most cars are quite inexpensive so there is no reasonable excuse for being a ‘one-eyed-bandit’.

BELTS & HOSES: The hoses in your vehicle connect to the radiator, heater, fuel lines, vacuum lines, air conditioning, and power steering. Portions of hoses connected to the engine are flexible which allow them to absorb vibrations from the vehicle. Most often hoses will wear from the inside, appearing stable on the outside, however if one of these breaks you could find yourself stuck and inmobile.

As more and more people opt to keep their cars for longer (due to economic reasons), the likelihood of vehicles becoming unroadworthy increases. In turn, the probability of accidents caused by mechanical failure intensifies. In addition to having your car serviced regularly, getting it checked timorously prior to a long distance is vital. Don’t become a statistic, get your car checked before you go on holiday.

Extended warranties, service plans now available on all Mahindra models

vuyi on September 21, 2020

Our research shows that Mahindra bakkie and SUV owners have great trust in their cars. They know that they can rely on their Mahindra to transport their family, travel to work or on holiday or support their businesses.
– Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa

Drivers of all Mahindra models – ranging from the Mahindra Bolero to the top-of-the-range XUV500 – can now enjoy additional peace of mind with the introduction of the Mahindra Extended Warranty and Optional Service Plan packages.

The new packages were developed completely in-house by Mahindra South Africa and they allow owners to purchase a complete service plan – for models not currently sold with one – or to top up their service plans and add an extended warranty – on all models.

The new vehicle support packages were developed as part of a concerted customer service drive by Mahindra and its chain of 67 dealers across South Africa and neighbouring countries. It started earlier this year when Mahindra introduced its #GreatValueGreatService customer brand promise.

Mahindra Pic Up Auto. Image courtesy of Quickpic

With #GreatValueGreatService, Mahindra ensures that it delivers a delightful homogeneous experience across its network, while also offering excellent value for money. Mahindra also holds its dealers and suppliers accountable for the speedy and professional resolution of any customer queries or vehicle services.

With our new plans, customers can now extend that trust well beyond the usual length of a warranty or service plan
– Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa

The #GreatValueGreatService is aligned with the launch of the Mzanzi Mahindra app and dedicated Customer Care line (012-865-0171). Through the app, customers can easily book an appointment, locate their nearest dealer, notify emergency services, navigate through the Mahindra range of products and accessories and learn about any special retail offerings.

Mahinda XUV300. Image courtesy of Quickpic

“Our research shows that Mahindra bakkie and SUV owners have great trust in their cars. They know that they can rely on their Mahindra to transport their family, travel to work or on holiday or support their businesses. With our new plans, they can now extend that trust well beyond the usual length of a warranty or service plan,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

Rajesh says that the Mahindra #GreatValueGreatService promise offers customers a higher level of certainty and that Mahindra is continuously working to enhance the value proposition to its customers, with the extended warranty and service plan the next step in this programme.

Our new service plans and extended warranties are available immediately across our network of dealers
– – RAJESH GUPTA, CEO OF MAHINDRA SOUTH AFRICA

“Our new plans not only guarantee that customers will not pay extra on services and mechanical repairs covered by the mechanical warranty or service plan, but we guarantee that all services and repairs will be done by trained Mahindra technicians, using Mahindra Genuine Parts and Maximile Oils.”

The new plans have been introduced across all dealers and all product ranges and they offer uncapped coverage on defined parts. It is also competitively priced against other similar services on offer by non- Mahindra service providers.

“Our new service plans and extended warranties are available immediately across our network of dealers. They are available to customers of new and used Mahindra vehicles and will transfer with the sale of a vehicle, adding additional value to both the seller and the buyer.”