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Tyre tax
THE higher excise duties being imposed on tyres in South Africa would make the country’s roads even more dangerous, the Automobile Association said. The association predicted many consumers, bombarded with inflation from all angles, would opt to continue using tyres that were in a poor condition because they couldn’t afford new ones.
Last month, the government announced an additional 38.33% excise duty would apply to tyres imported from China. This was on top of existing excise duties of between 25% and 30%. This means imported tyres would now have an excise loading of between 63.33% and 68.33%, the AA said. | IOL Motoring
Tiguan R
IF you want some of that Golf R fury in a more practical, albeit less dynamic, SUV package, the first-ever Volkswagen Tiguan R is here. Priced at R999 900, it forges a high-performance niche for itself in the Rav4 class, and it’s a cool R200 000 cheaper than the five-cylinder Audi RS Q3.
The Tiguan R shares its EA888 Evo 4 2.0-litre turbo-petrol heart with the new Golf R, which is due to be launched soon. Paired with a seven-speed DSG dualclutch gearbox, the four-cylinder engine produces 235kW and 400Nm. The Tiguan R will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds with top speed electronically restricted to 250km/h. | IOL Motoring
RED Bull’s flying Dutchman Max Verstappen has another chance to clinch his second consecutive world championship when the Japanese Grand Prix returns to Suzuka tomorrow.
The runaway leader failed to secure the title at last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, but he will do it in Japan if he wins and nearest rival Charles Leclerc finishes lower than second. Verstappen needs to extend his 104 points to 112 over the field to claim the championship.
If he gains eight points on Leclerc and six on teammate Sergio Perez, he will be only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the title with four races to spare. | AFP
Renault 4
THE Renault 5 isn’t the only historic nameplate that’s making a comeback in the French carmaker’s line-up. At the Paris Motor Show later this month, the company will present a new concept car that’s inspired by the Renault 4, and it is rumoured that the design study will spawn a production model.
“Thirty years after production ended, Renault will seize the moment at the 2022 Paris Motor Show to unveil its new take on the internationally renowned and recognised Renault 4,” the carmaker said. “The team of designers has given a modern twist to an iconic model that left its mark on the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.”
| IOL Motoring
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