Page 6 - Motoring Issue 1 2021

LAUNCH MERCEDES-BENZ

MERCEDES-BENZ

SUV LAUNCH

ecently, I was at what must have been the biggest launch that
I have attended in terms of models revealed at one event.
RStarting with the ALL-NEW GLB model, plus new versions,
generations or derivatives of the GLA, GLC 63s Coupe, GLE 400d J JAAGGUUAARR
Coupe, GLS 580 and the G400d, this was a mass celebration of the
Mercedes SUV range.
We had the opportunity to drive the various models around a e exxppeerriieennccee
handling track, through an off-road trail and then onto the skid-pan
to show their prowess in all aspects.
A surprise appearance by Siya Kolisi (new Mercedes-Benz Brand
Ambassador) capped off the day as you see at the end of this
versteer, understeer, ABS, EBD and DSC or
compilation of clips from the event. n
Dynamic Skid Control. We've all heard these terms
Obandied about in the world of motoring. Some of
Use this link for video footage:
us can translate them, but what do they mean in the real
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oErtc-3M9QE
world and, far more importantly, how do they apply to all of
us in real-world situations while driving on the road?
I relish opportunities like the afternoon presented by
Jaguar SA through the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists
(SAGMJ) to learn about the safety systems that are finding
their way into more and more modern cars. But, it's even
more important to learn how to utilise these systems and
how to actually react in real life.
The Jaguar Experience is presented at their state of the
art premises in Lonehill, Johannesburg. This is only the
second such facility in the world so we can really count
ourselves as privileged.
The driving involved swapping between cars to get the
feel of each in terms of the differences in power, weight
and centre of gravity of the SUV's. We took each through a
slalom course to feel how quickly it could change direction
from a full bore blast down a short straight to being able to
swerve to avoid a stationary obstacle when one stands full
force on the brake.
The next stage was the skid-pan. Here, the idea was to
induce understeer and experience each car, first with DSC
engaged, and then with it switched off.
Overall, it was a most worthwhile afternoon with a
number of valuable lessons learned. The professional
instructors made the experience fun while certainly making
me feel that I am now that little bit safer on the roads in an
emergency situation.
Once again my thanks to Jaguar SA and the SAGMJ . . .
I recommend courses like this to every person who uses
our roads. n

Use this link to view our video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Z165JOCcM

MOTORING | Issue 1, 2021 | 4