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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Diesel punch gives GWM Tank 300 the edge it always deserved
Long awaited 2.4 litre turbodiesel finally does justice to the retro-styled off-roader, though the usual throttle and transmission calibration niggles remain. Styled to resemble the Soviet-era UAZ 469 military 'jeep', the boxy Tank 300 has it made on the styling front. Images: Charl Bosch By assumption, it can be argued that Great Wall Motors (GWM) had possibly expected a bit more from its Tank brand's first model in South Africa, the 300, after its first full year of sales last year. Tainted success A quick totalling up of the monthly National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) sales figures paints an impressive figure of 516 units for the retro-styled off-roader that faced numerous delays before its eventual arrival in 2024. The entry-point in the Tank range, which is marketed as a standalone brand in China instead of being sold as a GWM, the 300's sales performance admits a compromised choice of powertrains, which international reports have been anything but kind to. Blighted by poor fuel consumption, the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol has received the bulk of the criticism, while the self-charging 2.0 litre turbocharged HEV hybrid has been received coolly for its anything but hybrid consumption of more than 13 litres per 100 km in some instances. ALSO READ: No more waiting: GWM puts sticker price on Tank 300 Diesel While praised for its 255kW/648Nm, which saw Road Test Editor Mark Jones clock a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds at Gerotek last year, the HEV's attempt to balance power with efficiency while moving nearly 2.3 tons simply doesn't suit a vehicle designed from the onset as a hardcore off-roader. At the same time, the 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 has also been ruled out as the vehicle that uses it, the limited edition Tank 330, won't be offered outside the People's Republic anytime soon. Diesel 'a must' The solution was, therefore, an easy one and on the back of significant pressure from Australia, the Tank 300 officially debuted a turbodiesel engine last year in a move GWM chair Wei Jianjun described as an issue that could no longer be avoided. Using the GW4D24 2.4 litre oil burner that debuted in the facelift P Series, known as P300 in South Africa earlier this year, the Tank 300 Diesel's knock-on effect involved its confirmation for the local market, where sales for the first four months have so far totalled 297 units. Unveiled at GWM's annual dealer prize-giving conference in February, the diesel also becomes the entry-level power unit in the Tank 300 lineup despite its greater displacement than the admittedly more powerful petrol and HEV. The tested model is the flagship Ultra Luxury. A move that could be seen as making the petrol and hybrid almost redundant, the arrival of the diesel for the week-long test left no second guessing as to which model would soon become the most sought after. Initially thought to be entry-level Super Luxury, the white test unit turned-out to be range-topping Ultra Luxury priced at R739 990. A sticker that undercuts the comparative petrol by R39 960 and the HEV by R189 960, the Ultra Luxury doesn't lose out in spec either as GWM had simply carried the former's list of features over into the diesel without skimping on anything. Styling done right Styled to resemble the Soviet-era UAZ 469 military 'jeep' , with a few elements from the Ford Bronco present down the side and at the rear, the 300 looks purposeful and rugged in a manner its more upmarket sibling, the plusher Tank 500, simply cannot match. Top-spec Ultra Luxury rides on 18 inch alloy wheels. Perched on 18 inch alloy wheels versus the 17 inch fitted to the Super Luxury, the Ultra Luxury strikes an imposing figure. The only giveaway of its difference from the petrol is a chrome 2.4T badge above the 4×4 decal on the tailgate. Simple but upmarket inside As incremental as the exterior changes are, the interior is virtually identical. GWM has retained the dual 12.3 inch displays, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charger, heated and cooled front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Bizarrely, the test unit didn't feature Nappa leather upholstery or even the Infiniti-branded nine-speaker sound system, which led to confusion about whether it was indeed the Super Luxury or the Ultra Luxury. The presence, however, of the bigger wheels, 'aired' seats and heated steering wheel gave the game up. However, it still remains unclear why the former items weren't present. The interior feels neat, looks premium, has a bar around the gear lever and relies on physical switchgear. Mystery aside, the interior is a welcome departure from other Chinese vehicles in that physical switchgear still dominates what remains a clean and uncluttered cabin with Mercedes-Benz-style turbine air vents and an aircraft throttle-inspired gear lever. Spacious in typical Chinese fashion, the fit and finish is equally impressive. Soft-touch plastics and leathers cover most surfaces, with a fetching imitation brushed aluminium decorative inlay on the passenger's side. Less impressive, the plastics around the gear lever sounded clunky and felt cheap. However, it could be argued that most buyers are unlikely to be phased about what is still a premium-feeling place to be. Ultra Luxury has been equipped with four off-road driving modes and a front diff-lock to go with the rear fitted as standard on the step-down Super Luxury. In addition, the infotainment system, which gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is relatively easy to use thanks to GWM's streamlined design, which eliminates pages and pages of sub-menus. Comfort has also not been sacrificed. Apart from the snug seats that can drop all the way down to the bottom, the instrument binnacle integration into the dashboard means no obscured view of the readouts, as in recently tested Chinese vehicles. Clambering into the back is just as good as the sunroof doesn't impact on headroom at all, while legroom is unlikely to result in any protests. Boot space with the rear seats up is 400 litres. It increases to 1 635 litres with the split back folded down. Besides the pair of vents, the Ultra Luxury also gets a pair of USB ports and a central armrest with twin cupholders. Tugging open the hinged tailgate with the spare wheel affixed, the boxy design reveals a 400 litre boot that looks surprisingly small on first glance. Somewhat of a faff, unlocking more space requires a two-tiered approach involving lifting the seat squabs first and then pulling the tag that drops the seat backs. Once done, luggage space increases to 1 635 litres, though once again, this appears smaller than GWM's claim. Powerplant stunner unfairly spoiled The business end of the Tank 300 is, of course, its new powerplant, which develops the same 135kW/480Nm as in the P300. Tipping the scales at a heavier 2 280 kg, though, the engine pulls with just enough verve for the 300 not to feel underpowered. The biggest highlight is the new 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine 'borrowed' from the facelift P300. The caveat, though, is that immediate response could, and should, have been better had it not been for the usual Chinese vehicle irritation of a poorly calibrated throttle mismatched with the transmission. It's a handicap that almost spoils not only driveability but also the engine itself. The delayed accelerator input results in the Tank 300 being momentarily without power and ponderous as the drivetrain tries to sort itself out. Leather seats are electric, heated, ventilated and with a massaging function for the fronts. For its part, the nine-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly once on the move, but tends to lose its way on downshifts and becomes erratic. More accomplished is the ride that irons out imperfections with little notice, as well as refinement in that little to no road or engine noise filters into the cabin. In addition, despite a full array of safety and driver assistance systems, none are intrusive and can be switched off permanently until being switched on again. Made for the bush On the off-road front, the Parament four-wheel-drive system has not been touched from the petrol and, as such, retains the low-range transfer and four off-road modes: Mud, Sand, Snow, and Expert, to go with the Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes. Further included are the transparent chassis view camera, Crawl Control, a front diff lock that adds to the rear available from the start in the Super Luxury and the 360-degree Tank Turn, which, unlike in the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G580, doesn't spin the 300 through 360 degrees in its own tracks. The transparent under-body camera system comes standard on the Ultra Luxury. Instead, the system locks the turning rear wheel, similar to Ford's Trail Turn Assist. It requires the low range to be selected in conjunction with the Crawl Control. Pressing a third button activates the Tank Turn, meant to aid entry and turning in tight off-road spaces. A setup that can be seen as a bit gimmicky, it nonetheless still comes as one of the Tank's USPs in confirming its credentials as a serious off-roader. If already not 'off-road approved' enough, the diesel, as with the petrol and hybrid, has a ground clearance of 224mm, an approach angle of 33 degrees, a departure angle of 34 degrees and a breakover angle of 23.1 degrees. High consumption no more Always the main point of content with most Chinese vehicles, the conclusion of the Tank's week-long stay involved fuel consumption. Possibly the biggest payoff, besides the price tag, the 410km spent with the diesel saw the trip computer display a best figure of 8.8 L/100 km, way less than the 14.8 L/100 km recorded by the petrol last year and the HEV's 13.9 L/100 km. Conclusion It goes without saying that the arrival of the diesel has been worth the wait. GWM is finally giving the Tank 300 the engine it deserves. Although unfairly hobbled by the throttle and transmission programming, it still manages to excel where the petrol and hybrid have faltered. Although a brand of its own in China, in South Africa it will be known as the GWM Tank 300. While the Ultra Luxury will undoubtedly prove the derivative to have, smart money remains on the Super Luxury, which, minus a few features, can be had for R699 990. That being said, what version ultimately wins the buyer's signature still makes for an overall package that has suddenly become even tougher to beat. NOW READ: GWM Chairman makes it official: Diesel Tank 300 on the way
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Easy-going Ford Ranger XLT the perfect camping companion
Double cab bakkie not only comfortable and safe, but very easy on the juice too. There can be nothing more South African than jumping in a Ford Ranger and going for a weekend of camping at an ATKV holiday resort. And that's exactly what we did when we took our long-term XLT to Buffelspoort recently. Buffelspoort is located around an hour from both Pretoria and Johannesburg on the road out towards Sun City, which meant it was just long enough to appreciate the open road manners of our Ford Ranger double cab. Unfortunately, though, open road driving in this country is a dangerous thing and any and all safety systems are welcome in a vehicle. And even though our long-term Ford Ranger is a mid-spec model, that slots in above the XL and below the Wildtrak, it still comes with a level of active and passive safety features that many of its competitors simply can't match. Ford Ranger safe as a house On board, you have Dynamic Stability Control incorporating ABS, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control. And if you tick one of the Tech Pack boxes, you can have Pre-Collision Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection. ALSO READ: Even without a fancy badge, Ford Ranger XLT is a lot of bakkie On the road is also where the Ford Ranger excels with its car-like ride while still retaining its off-road abilities. To achieve this balance, there have been a host of under-the-skin improvements, from increasing the wheelbase by 50mm to moving the rear dampers outboard of the springs. Not that a trip to Buffelspoort required any sort of off-road driving, but it is worth noting that the front approach angle is up from 28.5 degrees to 30 degrees. And the departure angle is up to 23 degrees from 21 degrees. This is with the towbar fitted. The loadbin is large enough to swallow camping gear with ease. Picture: Mark Jones If the road less travelled still calls, the Ford Ranger features an electronic rear differential lock. A differential lock allows both wheels on a specific axle to turn at the same speed, providing additional traction when you're off-roading. This feature might still come in handy, as we chose a 4×2 Ford Ranger XLT instead of a 4×4, knowing most of its life would be spent in the urban jungle. Four driving modes Talking of which, The Citizen Motoring's bakkie comes with four selectable drive modes to help you get traction to the wheels that need it the most and in a way that is best suited for the situation at hand, without you having to be an expert. These modes are Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery. They adjust everything from the gearshift to throttle response, traction and stability controls, ABS and more. Tow/Haul mode is a new drive mode that optimises the gear shift timing to maintain power when you're climbing up a hill or deliver the right amount of engine braking when you're travelling down a hill. All of which comes in handy when you know that your Ford Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg with a 350kg tow ball download limit. That's a heavy load. The XLT's interior. Picture: Supplied Perhaps the best kept secret of the four Ford Ranger XLT derivatives on offer is that you can have the 154kW/500 Nm 2.0 litre bi-turbo top spec model in 4×2 and 4×4 guise with a 10-speed automatic transmission if you really want the extra urge. Or you can opt for a simpler 4×4, or 4×2, 125kW/405Nm single turbo with easy shifting six-speed auto like we did. Trust me, and I have done the performance testing of our Ranger XLT, when I say that this combo is more than good enough for everyday use. ALSO READ: Ford Ranger's clever onboard systems allow you to tow like a pro Easy on the juice What's even better is the fuel consumption that has settled at 8.9 litres per 100km with a heavy bias towards city-type driving. It went into the high 7s on the trip out to Buffelspoort. It's really hard to fault this bakkie in single turbo guise. The Ford Ranger XLT double cab 4×2 SiT 6AT retails for R681 500. The price includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, with service and maintenance plans available as options.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Laos backpackers staff who served the methanol laced-drinks flee country: report
An investigation into the methanol-laced drinks killings has revealed the two Laos backpackers staff who served the beverages have fled the country. According to a Herald Sun exclusive, at least two of the people 'detained' after the deaths of six people, including Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, at the Nana Backpackers are now in Vietnam. 'We want the Australian Government to apply as much pressure as they can to bring justice to all those involved in the methanol poisoning of our girls, the Danish girl and the British girl in Laos,' Ms Jones' father Mark told the publication after being told of the fleeings. Best friends Bianca and Holly were holidaying together through Southeast Asia when things took a horrific turn in Laos. The pair died after they consumed vodka and whiskey laced with deadly methanol at the Nana Backpackers hostel in the town of Vang Vieng in November last year. The teens were two of six tourists who died in the same week of methanol poisoning, including British lawyer Simone White, 28, Danes Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and American James Louis Hutson, 57. On 60 Minutes last Sunday, an update on the case of the mass poisoning was given by the grieving families of the teens. Almost six months on, no charges have been laid despite Laotian authorities reportedly preparing charges for up to 13 people connected to the calamity. The Australian Government also received a briefing that charges had been recommended. However, during the 60 Minutes interview, the mothers of Holly and Bianca slammed the proposed charges against those who were allegedly involved, saying they are sceptical that justice will ever be served for their daughters. Mrs Jones and Mrs Bowles said they had written to Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone 'a million times'. They claim to have even contacted his wife. Still, they said they had had no response. Finally, almost two weeks ago the families received the news – not from Laos, but from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) that charges have reportedly been recommended by local police against 13 people from Nana's Hostel and the Tiger distillery. The proposed charges include elimination of evidence, violation of food and health security and unlawful business operations. For Mr Jones and Mrs Bowles, the proposed charges are shockingly weak. 'Pretty appalling, I'd say pretty insulting,' Mrs Bowles fumed. Mrs Jones agreed, saying: 'I think we're pretty furious about it … Food and beverage. You know, that's like?' 'What is that? We don't even know,' Mrs Bowles continued. 'We know that there's no murder or manslaughter charges, which we feel there should be.' The mothers said their feeling was that those allegedly involved will simply get a slap on the wrist, and as are only 'going to be fined' if found guilty. Mrs Bowles explained: 'It's heart-breaking … Heart-breaking and just full of anger, frustration.' They believed that Laos authorities simply don't care. 'They don't care. They don't, life is nothing,' Mrs Bowles said. Speaking to Bethany Clarke — who became incredibly unwell from consuming methanol alongside Ms White, however survived the poisoning — agreed that the charges meant nothing and there was only one way of getting justice. 'I think the UK and Australia need to push forward with a travel ban [to Laos] because I don't think that it's fair for Laos to come up with these charges when they should be a lot heavier,' Ms Clarke said from Brisbane. 'The mass poisoning in itself, six people died and loads hospitalised [should be enough for a bigger charge]. 'I think that without a travel ban, I just don't think we will ever get anywhere. I don't know if Australia would ever do that, I understand it's drastic, but they just won't listen to us … and I can't see any other way.'
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Brilliant BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport ticks all the right boxes
Peach of a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine makes coupe-styled SUV fast and frugal. It seems like just the other day that BMW started to offer X models, but it has literally been decades. By now X models represent the top sellers throughout the brand's vehicle offerings. This is for good reason, because they offer the best of both worlds. It provides road comfort and manners but with the ability to go off-road (mostly). One of these is the coupe-styled BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport SUV that we recently spent a week cruising around in. You can see the new styling changes to the BMW X6. The slim headlight units with arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements, plus the BMW kidney Iconic Glow that is offered as an option for the six-cylinder models. M Sport package standard on BMW X6 And now for the first time on the BMW X6, you get the M Sport package as standard. Playing a key role here is the octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille, the generous use of black surfaces, M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline trim, while the rear apron has an insert in Dark Shadow. The new exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape. ALSO READ: More powerful plug-in hybrid BMW X5 a true diesel alternative But what has changed under the skin? You have new systems for automated driving and parking and a fully digital iDrive control system with BMW Curved Display based on BMW Operating System 8. Perhaps even more important in the new electrification era, you now have 48V mild hybrid technology on the powertrains. The integration of BMW Operating System 8 and the latest generation of the iDrive control system herald the arrival of the BMW Curved Display in the BMW X6. It is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches – both located behind a single glass surface. The coupe-styled slanting rear roof is a standout feature of the BMW X. Picture: Mark Jones Less physical switchgear The touch control functionality of the control display has brought about a significant reduction in the number of buttons and switches in favour of digital control for numerous functions. It takes a bit more time navigating your way around the cockpit. But an owner who will drive their BMW X6 everyday will adapt. And it will all become second nature to them. Comfort and safety in the BMW X6 are on another level with a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems. Updates include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant. As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. And the new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over up to 200 metres to be controlled from outside the BMW X6 using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone. ALSO READ: Mild hybrid tech gives BMW X5 M60i sting in the tail Brilliant powertrain Getting out on the road is where the BMW X6 really shines though, especially in xDrive30d form. BMW's 3.0-litre turbodiesel has been the feather in their cap for as long as I can remember. They just keep refining this brilliant powertrain and it works. Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel sends the power and torque to the road via BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The Curved Display makes its debut in the BMW X6. Picture: Mark Jones All the drive units now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. An electric motor integrated into the transmission generates an output boost of up to 9kW of power and 200Nm of torque. And this in turn means that when combined with the combustion engine, the hybrid system can produce a maximum output of 219kW and a peak torque of 670Nm. ALSO READ: Finally priced: BMW puts stickers on all-new generation X3 BMW X6 ticks all the boxes The claim is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 233km/h. That is more than enough urge for everyday use. Although I doubt this will trouble you too much if you are hauling out close on R2-million for a SUV, but the claimed fuel consumption number of 7.8 litres per 100km should make a difference to your monthly expenses. And The Citizen Motoring achieved the same number during our week of mixed urban and highway driving for what it is worth to you or your accountant. The BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport did everything right. At R1 905 000 it is substantially cheaper than most of its other premium competitors. And it could almost represent great value for money if you move in these types of circles.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Former Wales rugby star dead at 59 after suffering heart attack in the gym
Former Wales No 8 Mark Jones has died aged of 59 after suffering a heart attack in the Middle East. Tributes have poured in for the dual-code international who has been described as a 'giant' of Welsh rugby. He had been training in a gym in Qatar, where he has been living since a spell in coaching. Jones played 15 times for Wales' rugby union team and 11 for Wales' rugby league side. He also won a cap for Great Britain's 13-a-side team. Jones, affectionately nicknamed 'Scooby', spent four years at Hull FC before joining Warrington in 1995 where he went on to make 38 appearances. Speaking on behalf of the Wales Rugby League in a statement, Clive Griffiths, who coached Jones at both Wales and Warrington said: 'Scooby was a giant in both codes, and the fact that he went on to play for Great Britain as well, speaks volumes for his ability as a player. 'He was part and parcel of that great era of Welsh rugby league until rugby union went back professional in 1995. From 1991-95, he was an ever-present in the Welsh squad. 'Everybody loved him as a man first and foremost. 'For me, it's like losing one of the family. We're so tight as a group, the team of 1995, and we're always in touch. It's difficult to explain the depth of feeling from that group of players right now. 'He always called me boss, right up until now. He was a brilliant man, one of the best and that's why he was loved so much.' Jones made his union international debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in March 1987, aged just 21, scoring a late try in a 21-15 defeat. He made the switch to rugby league in 1990 when he joined Hull. During his career, he was sent off six times and banned for over 33 weeks for violent conduct. In Jones' 2023 autobiography 'Fighting to Speak, he opened up on his struggles with a debilitating stammer and how it led to the on-field ferocity he showed during his career. 'After one exceptionally ugly incident, when I broke Ian Gough's eye socket when playing for Ebbw Vale, I realised that in order to defeat my demons and control my bad behaviour I needed to acknowledge that my stammer was the root cause of my torment,' wrote Jones. He added: 'I have learnt to control my stammer, and have stopped my stammer controlling me. 'Anyone who has suffered from a stammer will know of the humiliation and low self-esteem it creates. 'Thankfully, I have now found a way to live my life free from its grip and I hope that my honesty and insight will help others experiencing the same torment.' After retiring in 2005, Jones coached before moving to Qatar to work as a lab technician at the Abu Dhabi international school.
