Heels & Horsepower Magazine

New on the Tarmac: Meet the new trendsetting GLE 53 4MATIC+ and GLE 53 4MATIC+Coupe

The newest SUVs from Mercedes-Benz have finally arrived in South Africa and are set to liven up the market

Mercedes-AMG’s long-awaited performance offering for the GLE generation has reached South African shores, with the GLE 53 4MATIC+ and GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé set to liven up the mid-size SUV market with a combination of head-turning looks and scorching performance.

At the heart of the new AMG GLE 53 is a 320 kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, which is good for a 5.3 second 0-100km/h sprint, thanks to fully variable all-wheel drive and an agile 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Sporting the AMG-specific radiator grille the wheel arches, in the same colour as the car, provide space for the large 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering, which comes as standard. There are seven rim variants available, from 20 to 22 inch.

The new GLE 53s offer more power than their predecessors, and the Coupé adds style and elegance to our SUV family

– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars

“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to lead when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design. The new GLE 53s offer more power than their predecessors, and the Coupé adds style and elegance to our SUV family. Both guarantee a thrilling driving experience,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

An SUV highlight is the optional, foldable third row of seats, which make the GLE 53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.

The luxurious, sporty look and feel typical of the AMG brand continue through the high-quality interior. Characteristic colour highlights such as red contrasting topstitching on the upholstery and red seat belts ensure a thoroughly sporty ambience with a dynamic and exclusive touch. AMG-specific interior features and controls lend a typical AMG atmosphere to the cockpit and support the sporty, precise handling. 

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+  is priced from: R1 837 000

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is priced from: R1 925 000

Technical data at a glance:

 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+  Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé
Cylinders/arrangement6/in-line  6/in-line 
Displacement (cc)2999  2999 
Combustion engine output (kW)320320
at rpm61006100
Output from EQ Boost (kW)1616
Max. torque  Combustion engine (Nm)520520
at rpm1800-58001800-5800
max. EQ Boost torque (Nm)250250
Fuel consumption, combined (l/100 km)9,3*9.3*
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)212*212*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)5.35.3
Top speed (km/h)250**250**
Retail PriceR1 837 000R1 925 000

WATCH: Nissan Magnite Interior

The much anticipated Nissan Magnite, a compact SUV is now available in South Africa.

True to Nissan’s global SUV DNA of advanced technology, the Nissan Magnite comes with numerous first-in-class and best-in-segment features that will provide customers with a differentiated, innovative, and accessible experience. 

It features latest technology as a part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM), Nissan’s vision of how vehicles are powered, driven, and integrated into society.

This includes an impressive 8-inch full flash touch screen with best-in-class wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay compatible with the latest devices to ensure every journey is a first-class experience.

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself 

– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

  • Acenta MT = R256 999
  • Acenta CVT = R280 100
  • Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
  • Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

WATCH: The 2021 World Car Awards winners announcement

The World Car Awards recognizes the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and extends its support and recognition of the industry for rising to the many challenges it has faced. For the organizers part, the reveal of the 2021 World Car Awards winners have been limited to an announcement via digital media, on World Car TV. Click to watch the full event below.

A new cat will soon be on the prowl on our streets. Get ready for the P450

Jaguar has added a second V8 supercharged engine option to its F-TYPE sports car range in South Africa.

Jaguar has added a second V8 supercharged engine option to its F-TYPE sports car range in South Africa. The new P450-badged model will be available in a choice of Coupé and Convertible body styles. 

The new 331kW supercharged V8 has been developed to offer exploitable and rewarding performance – its maximum torque of 580Nm being generated from just 2,500rpm. It’s offered with a choice of all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics or – for purists – rear-wheel drive. 

F-TYPE’s sculpted form is accentuated by the Black Pack and 20-inch, five split-spoke wheels with gloss black finish

Both powertrains feature an electronic active rear differential to optimise traction, and both enable 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds and maximum speeds of 285km/h. All F-TYPEs feature eight-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control using either the SportShift gear selector or the gearshift paddles.

A special P450 R-Dynamic Black model will be available from launch. Developed from the 331kW V8 R-Dynamic Coupé and Convertible, these exclusive additions to the line-up offer an enhanced specification and an even more luxurious, crafted interior.

F-TYPE’s sculpted form is accentuated by the Black Pack and 20-inch, five split-spoke wheels with gloss black finish. Known as ‘Style 5039’, these wheels are not available on any other model in the range.

Complementing these perfectly is the choice of three metallic paints: Santorini Black, Eiger Grey or Firenze Red.

The driver-focused ‘1+1’ cabin surrounds the occupants with rich, luxurious materials. Slimline Performance Seats feature 12-way adjustment and are trimmed in Windsor leather with a choice of Ebony with Light Oyster contrast stitching or – for a more sporting theme – Mars with Flame Red stitch.

Details such as the beautifully crafted monogram stitch pattern, repeated in the door trim, are among the subtle refinements which make F-TYPE feel special.

Offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, its supercharged V8 engine delivers 423kW and 700Nm

The same monogram design is used to emboss the suede cloth wrap for the 12.3-inch reconfigurable Interactive Driver Display, while other refinements include satin-finish aluminium gearshift paddles, an Ebony suede cloth headliner and illuminated treadplates featuring the Jaguar script.

For truly exceptional performance in all weathers and on any kind of road there is also the F-TYPE R P575. Offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, its supercharged V8 engine delivers 423kW and 700Nm: the benchmark sprint to 100km/h takes just 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is an electronically-limited 300km/h. 

The 2022 Model Year F-TYPE range is planned for launch in South Africa in the second half of this year

The F-TYPE R and P450 models are equipped as standard with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system with Configurable Dynamics. Using electronically-controlled, continuously-variable dampers, Adaptive Dynamics optimises both low speed comfort and high speed control, while Configurable Dynamics enables the driver to tailor the settings for suspension stiffness, steering weight, throttle response and gearshifts.

Customers who choose either of the V8 F-TYPEs benefit from the Quiet Start function: the electrically actuated bypass valves in the rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open up under load. If desired, Quiet Start can be over-ridden by selecting Dynamic Mode or by pressing the switchable exhaust button before starting the engine.

The 2022 Model Year F-TYPE range is planned for launch in South Africa in the second half of this year and consists of:

F-TYPE R-Dynamic P450 Coupé and Convertible: 331kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift; RWD

F-TYPE R-Dynamic Black P450 Coupé and Convertible: 331kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift; AWD

F-TYPE R P575 Coupé and Convertible: 423kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift AWD

Pre-Ride Check List for Newbie Riders

With the excitement of learning how to ride comes the responsibility of managing one’s safety; and a pre-ride inspection is probably the easiest way to do that.

– Vuyi Mpofu, editor, heels & horsepower magazine

Doing a pre-ride inspection helps you discover potential problems and gives you an opportunity to attend to them before they become major, life threatening issues.   Experienced riders might have a quicker way of getting through a pre-ride check list but for us newbies, it is best not to take short-cuts.  

Walking right round my motorbike and giving it a good looking over is the first step towards ensuring my safety.

vuyi mpofu, editor, heels & horsepower magazine

 

My pre-ride routine is a little detailed and adds 20 mins to my total ride time but I wouldn’t skip it for anything.  Coupled with wearing proper riding gear each time I climb onto the saddle checking my ride before hitting the road gives me a lot of confidence.  

Here is my pre-ride routine:

1. I walkabout the bike 

As simple as this sounds, walking right round my motorbike and giving it a good looking over is the first step towards ensuring my safety.  I look out for:

  • Loose wires and that all lights are securely fastened
  • Dangling parts from any part of the bike 
  • Fluid seepage on the ground (engine oil, brake fluid, water etc)
  • Fluid leaks from engine parts e.g. fork seals and brake callipers
  • Nails and other foreign bodies embedded in the tyres
  • The correct tyre pressure
  • Dents in the rims
  • The chain and that it is well lubricated and is of the proper tension
  • The proper functionality of the engine kill switch 

 

2. I sit on the bike without firing up the engine

I check that the various features needed for a safe ride feel and function normally.  These are:

  • Side Stand: I check that it engages and disengages smoothly and that it ‘locks’ into place once it has been kicked up at the start of a ride.
  • Throttle: By rolling it back I check for good movement and that it springs back properly.
  • Front Brake & Clutch: By pulling on the front brake and clutch I ensure a smooth range of motion
  • Rear Brake: Stepping on the rear brake indicates correct pressure and setting.  ‘Hard’ brakes are just at dangerous as ‘soft’ brakes. 

Lastly, with the side stand down for safety and the bike upright, I swing the handlebars from side to side to check for any free play.

3. I fire up the engine 

Firing up engine, I listen for any abnormal engine sounds which would indicate a mechanical issue, then check that the lights (including stop lights and headlight high beam), indicators, horn and other controls work optimally.  

The 800m distance from the parking spot to my front gate gives me adequate time to further listen to the engine as well as focus on any vibrations I get from the bike.  

One of the most important safety checks which I admittedly only remember once I am on the road is checking my fuel gauge. Thankfully I have never had to make a dash to the nearest fuel station on foot.  Not only would it be somewhat embarrassing but I would look mighty weird bobbing down the road in my heavy-duty adventure boots with helmet in one hand and fuel in the other.