The Tata Bolt Thread (Tata Lovers)

Trip:
Bromhof - Sandton City
Sandton City - Joburg CBD
Joburg CBD - Brakpan
Brakpan - Rosebank
Rosebank - Parkhurst

TOTAL KM = 133.1KM

Converts to 5.43478261 l/100km (liters per 100 kilometers)

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fefb573fad05323e5404ff9739316d2f.jpg
 
Is it illegal to stalk cars? 'cause Ockie is going to find out :crylaugh:
 
The wheels that made 2017

Melinda Ferguson and Justus Visagie

Cape Town - #Trending car writers Melinda Ferguson and Justus Visagie share the best and worst rides they tested this year.

Their list includes luxury SUVs such as the new Range Rover Velar to more down to earth hatchbacks such as the Hyundai Elantra sport.

Melinda's top picks for 2017:

Lexus LC 500

R1 729 600

Combining breathtaking beauty, powerful performance and cutting edge exclusivity, the Lexus LC 500 – a 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 grand touring coupe has everything to get a discerning petrolhead hot and sweaty. Rocketing from 0-100km/h in less than 4.7 seconds, the drive is both silky smooth and exhilaratingly theatrical.

In my books it has one of the best sound systems created. The front air intake is designed as an echo chamber to maximise sound, so when the active exhaust kicks in, you’re in for a symphony of growls and roars, to send you straight to acoustic car heaven.




Suzuki Ignis - R189 900

In today’s pricey car market, it’s rare to find a great drive for under R200 000. Bring on the funky Suzuki Ignis with its two-tone striking looks and impressive driveability thanks to a 1.2 litre transverse four-cylinder engine.

And I’m not the only one singing its praises. Selected as one of the 10 finalists in the upcoming SA Guild of Motoring Journalists 2018 SA Car of the Year competition, the Ignis is packed with surprises, including a nifty touchscreen multimedia system, trendy interior design trim and impressive fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km.


Range Rover Velar - from R947 700

What a car. What an incredible feat in aesthetics in what has been widely described as the most beautiful SUV in the world. The Velar oozes glamour, technical mastery and world-class performance.

Standing proud between the Range Rover Evoque and mighty RR Sport, the Velar is a maestro on and off road with motorised door handles, and luxurious leather and suede, it’s an SUV that showcases a buttonless future with state-of-the-art technology integrated into its world-first touch pro duo infotainment system. I want one.


Melinda’s worst car?

Tata Bolt - From R157 995

Although design-wise there’s been significant improvement in the new Tata Bolt, overall this little hatch needs to up its game before it can compete in the same segment as its rivals, the Polo Vivo and Suzuki Swift.

On test, strange noises emanated from the steering shaft when parking. It stalls easily and definitely is averse to cold morning starts. Opening the boot feels very last century, as it requires having to pull a lever inside or manually open it with a key. Most concerning was that windscreen wiper fluid spontaneously erupted when reaching speeds of over 100km/h... damn.



Justus' picks:

Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Turbo Elite Sport - R400 000

Sport sedans are wonderful things. They marry four-door practicality with sports car-like performance. The BMW 3 Series is the quintessential sports sedan, but the 320i with sports-auto gearbox would set you back R585 000, before you add extras.

It’s a good thing then that the Hyundai Elantra Turbo Elite Sport offers similar performance, road-holding, refinement and interior space for about R200 000 less. It comes with something that will have you enjoying the car for many years; a five-year or 150 000km warranty on the car and seven years or 200 000km on the engine and gearbox.


Volvo S90 D5 AWD Momentum - R802 000

When people speak of premium cars they mention Merc, BMW and Audi, Jaguar and Lexus. But Volvo? It was in a no-man’s land between Volkswagen and Audi. Finally, that has changed. The Volvo S90 is better to drive than the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class.

It strikes the perfect balance between driver involvement and serenity. It outclasses the cars mentioned here when it comes to advanced safety. It brakes itself if the driver accidentally turns into the path of an oncoming car at an intersection.


Clio 88kW Turbo GT-Line - R268 000

Renault makes some of the best hot hatches, like the Mégane RS and Clio RS. But again, these have been catapulted out of most consumers’ car budgets. For example, the Clio RS is priced at a painful R435 000. Fear not, car enthusiast, as Renault introduced the Clio GT-Line this year.

Although the engine’s output of 88kW and 205Nm seem modest, it only has to move about a ton – the weight of this Clio. Add excellent suspension and a slick manual gearbox with a solid, brushed aluminium gearknob and you have something special – at a more accessible price.


Justus’ worst car?

Land Rover Discovery HSE Td6 - R1 207 400

The new Discovery HSE Td6 is powerful, refined and luxurious. From what I’ve seen it’s capable off-road too. I didn’t drive it over rough terrain, since it was wearing huge alloy wheels with low-profile tyres that would have been easily damaged – and smaller, more practical wheels weren’t available. The seats behind the driver are lower than before.

If you sit here, it’s likely your backside will be lower than your knees and that could become uncomfortable over long distances. The Disco’s essence has changed from off-road family car to a sporty car for smoother roads and shorter distances. In other words, it’s a clone of the Range Rover Sport.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/Guides_and_lists/the-wheels-that-made-2017-20171217
 
Melinda’s worst car?

Tata Bolt - From R157 995

Although design-wise there’s been significant improvement in the new Tata Bolt, overall this little hatch needs to up its game before it can compete in the same segment as its rivals, the Polo Vivo and Suzuki Swift.

On test, strange noises emanated from the steering shaft when parking. It stalls easily and definitely is averse to cold morning starts. Opening the boot feels very last century, as it requires having to pull a lever inside or manually open it with a key. Most concerning was that windscreen wiper fluid spontaneously erupted when reaching speeds of over 100km/h... damn.
Click to expand...

Yes, when turning the steering wheel when it is winter there are some noises coming out. I have had this checked out and Tata said it is normal and it has to do with the disign of the thing (whatever you call it), but it wont cause any issues. I have made peace with it.

Stalls easily? I have stalled the car perhaps 3 times since I got it. Learn better clutch control lady.

Yes, the engine does not like cold morning starts. But I have never had a issue where it would not start or the engine cranks abnormally long before starting. I would say it is a bit like me once I get out of bed in the morning. Put a cup of coffee in my hand (petrol) but dont talk to me or expect a smile for at least 5 - 10 minutes (dont floor the engine and expect it is going to enjoy it)

Yes, I agree, I would have loved a button on the remote to open the boot or just a button on the actual boot to release it instead of having to put the key in to unlock it. But again, this is a pretty small annoyance if you take into consideration the other stuff you get in the car such as Harman Kardon infotainment system, auto climate control, abs, turbo engine, 3 different engine programs, dual airbags, speed sensing autolocs and CSC.
 
Why does AA SA keep on insisting that the Tata Bolt 1.2T XMS (hatch or sedan) still has a 'moderate' safety score of between 20 to 50 points, when it actually has the following score, taking their own ratings table into consideration:

Active Safety - Crash Prevention

1. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) - YES - 30 points

2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - YES - 30 points
* (Has CSC - Cornering Stability Control as standard)

Passive Safety - Crash Protection

1. Drivers Airbag - YES - 10 points

2. Front Passenger Airbag - YES - 10 points

3. Side Airbags - NO - 0 points

4. Head // Curtain Airbags - NO - 0 points

5. Crash Test Rating (frontal impact) - 4 STARS - 20 points


TOTAL POINTS SCORE - 100 points


ACTUAL AA RATING - ACCEPTABLE > 50 points


Sources:

Specifications as reflected on the TATA SA website - https://tatamotors.co.za/new-cars/tata-bolt/

The feature-packed TATA BOLT is equipped with all your safety requirements, including ABS, EBD, corner stability control* and dual airbags


Tata Zest (Bolt sedan in SA) Achieves a 4 Star Result In India - http://www.globalncap.org/tata-zest-achieves-a-4-star-result-in-india/

The standard non-airbag version (for the lower specification models, as sold in India only) resulted in a disappointing zero star score for adult occupant protection and one star for child occupant protection.

As has been the case with other manufacturers, Global NCAP offered Tata the opportunity to test another version of the Zest with more safety features.

Accepting the opportunity, Tata introduced a structural improvement to the entire Zest range while Global NCAP tested the new version with optional airbags (standard fitment across the range for the 2 models - XMS & XT - sold in SA).

The Zest with two airbags and two pre-tensioners showed very substantial improvements and, together with the seat belt reminder in the driver seat, the Zest achieved an impressive four star score in adult occupant protection.

Tata also selected other child restraint systems for the airbag version, improving the rear seat child occupant protection to 2 stars.

Tata have announced that the improvements made to the structure will be brought to the entire vehicle range, for both airbag and non-airbag versions.

David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said:

“Tata has shown how they can dramatically improve the safety of the Zest. It is encouraging to see a major Indian brand improving the safety of their models. We strongly encourage Indian consumers to opt for the much safer four star rated option. We also urge Tata to consider making the two airbag version of the Zest their basic model (in India).”

Rohit Baluja, President of the Institute of Road Traffic Education said:

“Moving the Zest from zero to four stars is a significant achievement, and we are very happy that changes they have made to the vehicle structure will be adopted on all versions of the vehicle."


Read the full crash test report - http://www.globalncap.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2016-Zest-2Airbags.pdf

Watch the crash test video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3G99x0bNcM


:whistle:
 
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Read the long pdf.. they don't award maximum points if it has the feature. Formula based on feature/cost. Kinda stupid the way they do it though.
 
Ivan Leon said:
...the rear seat backrest is NOT a 60/40 split unit - but is a single piece unit - which can be a problem when carrying three passengers and an oversized item - for example, a surfboard or step-ladder (my Indica also has this 'luxury item' fitted as standard).
Click to expand...

Looks like there was a revision to the India-spec Tata Bolt hatch's rear-seat configuration during 2016:

Launch models - Jan 2015 to April 2016 came as standard with the 60/40 split rear seat (with adjustable headrests):

Parts link - http://oriparts.com/3/150/1146/297030


whilst models manufactured from May 2016 to date have had the 60/40 split rear seat replaced with a single piece unit, as fitted to all the cars destined for the SA market as well:

Parts link - http://oriparts.com/3/150/1152/297710


That seems to explain why none of the SA Bolt hatch models - XMS or XT - had a 60/40 split rear seat available.

:whistle:
 
My first bad luck with my beloved Bolt

tata flat.jpg


tyre change.jpg

So, as with most days, get in my car and hit the road to Sandton City to collect phones that I need for delivery to my corporate clients. Have a quick smoke by the car after getting the phones in the parking area and notice something does not seem right. Have a look and true as god, right back tyre is losing pressure. Jump in and drive to Tyre Mart on Oxford (thank you guys....you were awesome). They find the problem, a drill bit. Luckily it is in the middle of the tyre so they can patch it. Have it fixed and hit the road to first customer. Get there, do my delivery, go back to car and it wont unlock with the key fob button. Unlock manually and hit the road to second customer. Try and lock and Rajesh just goes "fck you". Lock it manually but then being paranoid as I am, I check if the other doors are locked.....and it is not. Finish the delivery and look for closest TATA dealership on Waze. It is in Boksburg. Hit the road and when I get there, they are no longer there. Building being demolished from the looks of it.

I remember seeing a Tata dealership close to one of my other customers in Kempton Park. Drive there. Lady at TATA (shared space with Kia), tells me to just go to the Parts department. Guy there looks at me with a very disinterested look. Tells me to go to Builders Warehouse and get a new battery. I am like WTF! :mad: Storm back to the showroom and explain what just happened and I am not amused. A guy tells me that best place to go would be Boksburg. I tell him I just came from there and they no longer there as the building is being demolished. He tells me that they just moved and now also sharing a space with Kia close to East Rand Mall. I tell him to phone them and make sure they can actually help me. They confirm and I hit the road again. Awesome guy called Alex comes out to help and inspects the car and says something does not seem right. Drives the car into their service garage space and asks that I wait in reception, but the guy from TATA headoffice is actually there on a branch visit and he wants to show him my car. 15 minutes later he comes to me in reception and asks if I left the lights or anything on inside the car? I say no, I could not have because as soon as you pull the key out and your lights are on it sounds a alarm. He says the car diagnostic showed a low voltage error code. They tested the battery and alternator and both are fine. They reset everything and now it is working again.

I then proceeded to tell him that I asked Princess Crossing dealership to order me a service book as the car did not come with one but they are just not helping me. This was last year November when the car went for its first service. The guy from TATA headoffice then appologised on their behalf and said he will get the service book for me an Alex will give me a call soon as I can come and fetch it. So now hopefully that will besorted also. :)

Ai.....guess it was just one of those days.
 
Ockie said:
View attachment 493505


View attachment 493507

So, as with most days, get in my car and hit the road to Sandton City to collect phones that I need for delivery to my corporate clients. Have a quick smoke by the car after getting the phones in the parking area and notice something does not seem right. Have a look and true as god, right back tyre is losing pressure. Jump in and drive to Tyre Mart on Oxford (thank you guys....you were awesome). They find the problem, a drill bit. Luckily it is in the middle of the tyre so they can patch it. Have it fixed and hit the road to first customer. Get there, do my delivery, go back to car and it wont unlock with the key fob button. Unlock manually and hit the road to second customer. Try and lock and Rajesh just goes "fck you". Lock it manually but then being paranoid as I am, I check if the other doors are locked.....and it is not. Finish the delivery and look for closest TATA dealership on Waze. It is in Boksburg. Hit the road and when I get there, they are no longer there. Building being demolished from the looks of it.

I remember seeing a Tata dealership close to one of my other customers in Kempton Park. Drive there. Lady at TATA (shared space with Kia), tells me to just go to the Parts department. Guy there looks at me with a very disinterested look. Tells me to go to Builders Warehouse and get a new battery. I am like WTF! :mad: Storm back to the showroom and explain what just happened and I am not amused. A guy tells me that best place to go would be Boksburg. I tell him I just came from there and they no longer there as the building is being demolished. He tells me that they just moved and now also sharing a space with Kia close to East Rand Mall. I tell him to phone them and make sure they can actually help me. They confirm and I hit the road again. Awesome guy called Alex comes out to help and inspects the car and says something does not seem right. Drives the car into their service garage space and asks that I wait in reception, but the guy from TATA headoffice is actually there on a branch visit and he wants to show him my car. 15 minutes later he comes to me in reception and asks if I left the lights or anything on inside the car? I say no, I could not have because as soon as you pull the key out and your lights are on it sounds a alarm. He says the car diagnostic showed a low voltage error code. They tested the battery and alternator and both are fine. They reset everything and now it is working again.

I then proceeded to tell him that I asked Princess Crossing dealership to order me a service book as the car did not come with one but they are just not helping me. This was last year November when the car went for its first service. The guy from TATA headoffice then appologised on their behalf and said he will get the service book for me an Alex will give me a call soon as I can come and fetch it. So now hopefully that will besorted also. :)

Ai.....guess it was just one of those days.
Click to expand...
The first guy might not have been wrong that the battery is poked because the behaviour is typical of that.

Even so it should be a warranty problem and never a "go to builders" as a solution. Shocking.
 
SauRoNZA said:
The first guy might not have been wrong that the battery is poked because the behaviour is typical of that.

Even so it should be a warranty problem and never a "go to builders" as a solution. Shocking.
Click to expand...

I honestly dont know. As far as I know, they did not replace the battery inside the key fob. They just reset the error code and now it is working fine again. He said if it does it again then I must book it in with them so they can do a thorough investigation. Seems he has not seen this before. I told him with the next service I will bring the car to him as they work on Saturdays. It is far for me from where I live to get to them, but I was impressed with him and he seemed actually interested in helping me.

I just could not believe, after having a flat and getting the tyre sorted then this issue raised its head right after leaving first client. I was like "Really .... you ****ting me!?" I guess I can laugh about it now. :D Just seemed like one of those moments where Life goes "Uh uh uh....not so fast ... I have another surprise in store for you" hehehe
 
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I meant the car's battery, not the fob.

Possible they left the lights or car on while changing the tyre?
 
Alex from Tata East Rand Mall informed me this morning that the guy from Tata HQ dropped my service book for me at them. I swinged passed there on my way back from a customer to collect and pay for it. They handed it to me at reception and said there is no charge. I was expecting to pay like R55.00 or something silly. And I got some goodies with it. A nicer folder pouch for my manuals and service book (nice and soft compared to the one it came with), a license disc holder and a keyring :) Love you Tata 'n-all. :)


tata gifts.jpg
 
Now that is a nice keyring. I don't like this metal one I got from Renault. At least I can use it to open a bear, but Castle has a screw cap. :p
 
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