What it's like to drive a bulletproof Armormax Toyota Prado
Large SUVs such as the Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender are among the most popular vehicles that come into the company's Northriding workshop. Armormax also offers high-grade B6 protection designed to stop high-powered rifle bullets.
Armormax is an original equipment manufacturer partner to brands including BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Ford, Land Rover, Nissan and Mahindra. Toyota isn't among them, but marketing manager Michael Broom said warranty claims that do not arise as a result of armouring are covered by Toyota. He said Armormax has fitted packages to more than 1,700 vehicles and has not had a single penetration or injury to date.
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TimesLIVE
15 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Mazda CX-30 remains a chic and dependable crossover pick
There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the fate of legacy carmakers in the current climate. That stems from the powerful emergence of the Chinese automotive industry as a disruptor that has become tough to beat by offering customers a great deal for less outlay and across most segments. The monthly figures speak for themselves. Very soon we might see brands from China edging in on the turf of the most beloved local staples, such as Volkswagen and Toyota. They have outpaced marques that were once regular features in the top half of the monthly new vehicle sales charts. That includes Mazda. However, where proven reliability and longevity is concerned, legacy carmakers such as Mazda continue to have the upper-hand. While the oldest Chinese carmaker in South Africa is just shy of turning 18, a brand such as Mazda has been involved in Mzansi for decades. It has proven itself to be a purveyor of durable cars and, in more recent times, offerings that sought to elevate its persona with sharper designs and build quality that some have likened to German standards. A Mazda CX-30 recently arrived for evaluation, looking quite rakish in a shade of blue. The crossover was first launched in 2020 as a bridge between buyers who found the CX-3 too compact and the CX-5 too large. Mazda is not one for radical changes during a product life cycle, so aside from subtle tweaks from trim and equipment standpoints, the CX-30 seen here is much the same as the model launched about five years ago. That is a considerable length of time in modern motoring terms, but the sleek, curvaceous aesthetic appeal of the model remains as desirable as it was then. Pricing ranges from R531,800 for the basic Active version while R579,400 gets you into the Dynamic grade. The Carbon Edition, with its dark accents, is R597,800 and the range-topping Individual we tested costs R641,900. Pricing includes a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and service plan. On the outside, the 18-inch, glossy black alloys are the biggest differentiation of the Individual versus its lesser siblings. The cabin is distinguished by a delicious two-tone colour combination: toffee for the leatherette bolsters, suede-like upholstery for the seat inners and door panels. One is reminded where the comparisons to Teutonic cabin finishes originate from. Behind the wheel of a CX-30 materials are of an excellent standard, from the soft-touch fascia to the grip of the elegant three-spoke steering wheel. The doors of the Mazda are on the light side, but concerns about occupants safety are assuaged by the fitment of seven airbags and the credentials of a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Some may lament the slightly dated look of the cabin, but traditionalists will enjoy the blend of analogue with digital. The instrument cluster, for example, has classic needles and gauges for the tachometer and fuel level, complemented by a central screen handling speed and other data. Atop the fascia is a slim infotainment screen that blends appealingly, a nice break from the stark, oversized tablets that look as though they were stuck on as an afterthought. Being the top tier expression of the CX-30 range, the standard equipment level is high and outfitted with amenities including a sunroof, Bose audio system and electrically-operated tailgate. Annoyingly, the navigation system requires an SD card, which was not present in our test unit. The vehicle's 295l boot is on the shallow side. Road manners are of a respectable texture, with good marks for sound insulation and light but direct steering. There are some compromises where ride quality is concerned, attributed to the 18-inch alloys, in tandem with suspension tuning that is decidedly firm. Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic. Where Mazda could be criticised for lagging behind is in the powertrain department. The CX-30 used a 2.0l, four-cylinder petrol engine which is naturally-aspirated. This is the 121kW/213Nm unit that has served in Mazda products for many years and has an industrial, appliance-like quality. On one hand, the long-lasting potential and easy maintenance of such a simple, uncomplicated motor is a positive. On the other hand the performance boost and economy of adopting turbocharger technology is hard to argue with. Rivals such as Toyota have found a satisfying middle ground with hybridisation. The CX-30 could certainly benefit from such progress. Average consumption over our week of testing was 8.5l/100km. While it might not be at the forefront of technological innovation, the CX-30 remains a stylish and proven prospect from a brand with a sound reputation.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Woman claims BMW Financial Services' non-cooperation led to R787,000 debt
A South African woman claims that BMW Financial Services failed to assist her when she struggled to make payments on her R787,000 vehicle, leading to a distressing financial battle that raises questions about consumer rights and corporate responsibility. Image: Supplied A woman who bought a car through BMW Financial Services is accusing the motor company of failing to cooperate when she indicated that she was unable to continue making payments to her car. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, purchased a BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport in October 2021, with the vehicle being financed through BMW Financial Services. According to the terms of the agreement, she was granted a credit facility exceeding R787,000 to cover the cost of the vehicle. This financing arrangement came with an estimated monthly repayment obligation of more than R11,000, placing a significant financial commitment on her. She was able to maintain her monthly instalments for just over six months before coming to a realisation that the monthly instalments were financially not viable as it was consuming nearly half her salary leaving her with insufficient funds to cover her basic financial needs and other financial obligations. This growing strain on her finances forced her to reassess her ability to continue honouring the credit agreement, prompting her to reach out to BMW Financial Services to seek relief or explore alternative solutions. She explained that after recognising the financial strain, she approached BMW Financial Services to request assistance in selling the vehicle, hoping to find a solution that would alleviate her debt burden. However, she was informed by the motor company that the total amount required to settle the outstanding debt on the vehicle was R814,000. At the same time, BMW offered to purchase the vehicle for only R600,000, which would leave her with a significant shortfall of R214,000. Despite her efforts to engage and find a mutually beneficial resolution, she alleges that no further assistance, guidance, or alternative options were provided by the company. This left her feeling abandoned and solely responsible for the substantial debt, with no meaningful support from the institution that had financed the purchase. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "After mounting arrears and further attempts to engage BMW, our client voluntarily surrendered the vehicle on June 7, 2022 – the valuation provided by BMW reflected a large shortfall, and she took back the vehicle in an effort to secure a better private offer," said her attorney, Liesel Kriel. After relocating from Gauteng to Durban in an effort to improve her financial circumstances, she said she actively sought out better trade-in or resale offers for the vehicle. She managed to secure more favourable valuations from multiple third-party dealers, which exceeded the initial offer made by BMW. In a bid to resolve the matter, she submitted the alternative quotes to BMW Financial Services, along with supporting financial documentation detailing her income and financial hardship. However, despite her proactive approach and willingness to cooperate, she claims that BMW failed to respond and completely ignored her submissions. To her shock, she later discovered in November 2022 that the vehicle had been transferred out of her name as far back as June 2022 without her knowledge, permission, or any formal notification. This discovery raised serious concerns for her, not only about the handling of the vehicle but also about the lack of transparency and communication from BMW Financial Services throughout the process. After the shocking discovery she lodged a complaint against BMW with the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), which directed her to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) due to the matter relating to reckless lending. According to her, it was around this time that , she was also informed that legal proceedings had been instituted against her by BMW Financial Services. She expressed shock and frustration, particularly because she had previously notified BMW in writing, via email, of her change of address following her relocation from Gauteng to Durban. Despite this clear communication, she claims that BMW continued to serve legal documents at her former address, effectively depriving her of the opportunity to respond to or engage with the legal process in a timely and meaningful manner. As a result, she believes that BMW acted negligently and unfairly, further compounding her distress and legal vulnerability. She said the NCR process was plagued with delays – it was only in June 2024 that the NCR advised her the matter had not been considered and then issued a non-referral notice, prompting her to refer the matter to the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT). During the tribunal proceedings, it was noted that woman had opted not to defend herself when the case was in the High Court, and as a result, her claims of reckless lending against BMW were not considered. In February 2025, the NCT held that the high court is a competent forum that had already reached a decisive conclusion on her failure to honour her financial commitments. "Any subsequent ruling by the tribunal regarding reckless lending will impact the high court's judgment, which goes against the principle of res judicata," said the tribunal. She said following the judgment, in March 2025, BMW attempted to enforce the judgment and execute the warrant at her erstwhile address – the address was later amended. "Due to BMW's lack of cooperation, our client had no choice but to obtain legal assistance and as such our offices proceeded to launch a rescission application based on the pending regulatory processes and improper service," said Kriel. Kriel said BMW has opposed the rescission application, raising technical defences, including the time delay in bringing the application. "BMW maintains that our client was aware of the proceedings, had a chance to respond, and that the regulatory complaints were merely delay tactics," Kriel added. When approached for comment, BMW declined to speak on the matter, stating that it remained sub judice. "I have, however, determined the matter is still being considered by a court. We cannot, therefore, provide comments to you at this time," said BMW spokesperson, Hailey Philander. In closing, the woman's case reflects the complex and often frustrating journey consumers face when navigating disputes with large financial institutions. Despite her efforts to seek assistance from BMW Financial Services, the National Credit Regulator, and eventually the National Consumer Tribunal, procedural technicalities and jurisdictional limitations ultimately stood in the way of her reckless lending claim being meaningfully assessed. The High Court's prior ruling based on her failure to defend the matter effectively closed the door to further adjudication by the Tribunal, citing the legal principle of res judicata, which prevents re-litigation of issues already decided by a competent court. The attempted enforcement of the judgment at her former address and the subsequent legal wrangling over the rescission application have only added to the woman's sense of being sidelined by a system she believes failed to accommodate her financial vulnerability. Her legal representative, Kriel, argues that the mishandling of notices and the disregard of pending regulatory processes justify reopening the case. BMW, however, continues to oppose the rescission, framing the delays and regulatory complaints as tactical manoeuvres rather than legitimate grievances. With BMW declining to comment further due to the matter being sub judice, the case remains in legal limbo highlighting the wider challenges consumers face when trying to assert their rights in the face of institutional power and procedural complexity. IOL
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Kyalami Festival of Motoring gearing up as highlight of August
Tickets for the annual automotive showpiece are now on-sale. South Africa's biggest automotive showpiece, the Kyalami Festival of Motoring, returns to form at the end of August, with ticket now being available. Taking place from 29 to 31 August, the eighth edition of the now annual event will have vehicles exhibited from amongst others Toyota, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Suzuki, Mahindra, Subaru, Chery, BYD, BAIC, GAC, LDV, GWM Haval and MG. For some, it will mark the official debut of the exhibited product on South African soil ahead of the start of sales either at the end of the year or early next year. As before, the ever popular hot lap track driving experience returns, as does the self-driving opportunity on the in-field handling track, the 4×4 experience at the top section of the circuit, plenty of activities ranging from simulators to go-karts, plus a drifting showcase. In addition, early bird ticket buyers, i.e. before 00h00 on 3 August, will stand a chance of winning prizes worth R16 000. First: 2x VIP hot laps; Second: 2x VIP Experiences (minus hot lops); Third: 2x double passes to the Santam 'chill' pod As usual, the three-day event will be split into four sections, green, blue, yellow and red, and provide more than enough on-site non-motoring entertainment, as well as food stalls. Now loaded into ticket prices, per person, amount to the following: General Access: R295; General Access [children under four]: Free; General Access [children 4-12]: R82; General Access [pensioner 65+]: R260 Weekend Pass [all three days]: R700; Weekend Pass [pensioner 65+]: R665 Hosted by Santam, VIP Hospitality prices are as follows: Premium Hospitality with one hot lap: R4 200; Premium Hospitality with no hot lap: R2 200; Chill pod for kids under 5: Free Chill pod for kids under 5-12: R350; Chill pod for kids 12+: R850 Limited parking will be stationed at designated areas around the track, or alternatively, via a Park and Ride service departing from the Mall of Africa. Closing and opening times across the weekend are from 08h30 to 18h00. More information is provided at
