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Not axed

THE web has been awash with rumours that the Mazda CX-3 is set to be axed. While it is true that the compact SUV is being discontinued in some major markets, such as the US and Europe, other markets will continue to receive the CX-3.

South Africa is counted among these, with Mazda SA having confirmed that an updated version of the CX-3 will hit showroom floors in January.

The Dynamic, Individual and Hikari versions will receive a larger infotainment screen, up from 7-inches to 8-inches. The latter two derivatives will also receive wireless phone charging. | IOL Motoring

Qatar F1

FORMULA One drivers will be free to “speak their minds” on controversial issues such as human rights when Qatar hosts its first Grand Prix its motorsports chief said.

The Gulf Arab country has been the target of protests by several national football teams over its treatment of foreign workers, as part of a wave of social activism by athletes.

But Qatar, which will host the Fifa World Cup exactly one year from its inaugural Grand Prix race on November 21, will not stop F1 drivers from speaking out, saying: “We are happy to support the drivers to speak their minds.” | IOL Motoring

New Ranger

THE highly anticipated new Ford Ranger is set to go on sale in South Africa and other international markets in 2022, but word on the street is that it could stick around until at least the early 2030s.

Citing insider information, Carbuzz says that the Us-spec Ford Ranger will have an eight-year life cycle, running from 2023 until early 2031. Although that does not necessarily mean that the global version of the Ranger (as sold in South Africa) will have a similar lifespan, it is likely given that the vehicle is expected to share its basic architecture with the US version. Long life spans are not unusual in the bakkie world. | IOL Motoring

Chips down

INITIALLY downplayed by auto industry bosses, the global shortage of computer chips has worsened and severely hampered carmakers, according to their latest results.

Stellantis and Volkswagen this week each reported production shortfalls in July-september of around 600 000 vehicles because of a lack of semiconductors, the processors needed in multiple systems in both traditional and electric cars.

That led to a 27 percent drop in shipments for Stellantis, which was created at the start of the year from Fiatchrysler and Peugeot-citroen. | AFP