KING OFF THE ROAD finally launched in Nairobi

KING OFF THE ROAD was launched yesterday (Friday)at Nairobi Arboretum Park, State house Rd by TOYOTA KENYA LTD at a very colorful event. In October last year on this blog, we spoke about this beast. Over 21 units of this VX-R been sold locally. Here are some of the specifications of TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 200 Series. The Model VDJ200R-GNTVZ VX (QQ)powered by a 4.5 Liter, Twin Turbo 1VD-FTV, 8 Cylinder, V-line producing 173Kw / 3,200rpm of power and 615Nm / 1,800 - 2,200rpm of Torque. The power train uses Common Rail Diesel Type with 6 Speed Auto, Sequential Shift, 4WD transmission. The gross weight of the King is 3.4 ton. Front Suspension has Double Wishbone Coil Spring with Stabilizer while the rear has 4-link Type Suspension with Coil Spring On the tyres the ride uses 285/50R20 alloy wheels. Front brakes are ventilated. The currently available engine are diesel with a fuel capacity of 93 Litres (+45 Extra).There are several exterior colours to choose from namely Super White II, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Attitude Black Mica, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Beige Mica Metallic, Copper Brown Mica, Dark Blue Mica Metallic, White Pearl CS

Standard Features include Chrome Roof Rail, LED Headlamps, Cruise Control, Side Steps with cover, Power adjustable front seats, Pintle Hook, Illuminated entry system with Scuff plate illumination,20" Alloy Rims, Smart Entry & Start System, Rear Mud Flaps ,Wireless Smartphone Charging ,Rear Spoiler,4 Zone Auto Air/Con with Front & Rear Controls, Front Fog Lamps, Memory Seat + Steering Setting ,Body Coloured Front & Rear Bumpers, Cooler Box in Centre console, Spare tyre mounted underside of cargo floor, AM/FM/DVD/Bluetooth Audio with 9" Screen & 14 JBL Speakers, Engine Sump Protector & Fuel Tank protector, Front+ Rear + Side Cameras, Headlight washers, Premium Leather Seats, Side Protection Moulding, Front + 2ND Row Seat Heaters, Front & Rear Bumper Spoilers, Multi-Terrain Mode Select System,40/20/40 Second row seat back split fold

Safety & Security include Power Steering with VGRS+VFC+AVS(DRIVE MODE SELECT),Alarm + Immobilser,Multi Functional Steering Wheel (Audio+Display+Tel+Voice),Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),Leather + Wood Steering Wheel & Gear Shift Knobs Crawl Control, Active Height Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Moon & Sun roof ,Active Traction Control (A-TRC) Clearance & Back Sonar, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC),4WD Switch Dial (H4/L4),Brake Assist (BA),Dual Rear Seat Entertainment Screens with 2 Headphones ,Electric Brakeforce Distribution (EBD),4.2'' TFT Screen for Rear, side & Front Camera Views & Multi Information Display,12 Airbags System ( Dual D+P+CSA (FR+2nd+3rd) + SIDE A/B (FR+2nd)+ Knee Airbag (D+P) On purchasing a brand new unit which is currently going for 21 million shillings, customers will enjoy a warranty a period of 36 Months or 100,000 Kilometers, Whichever comes first. Please also note the LX 570 is also available but on order. It is available on a petrol engine

D-Max 'MOMO' introduced in Kenya

General Motors dealers of Isuzu models among others have brought in a lifted mud truck by the nicknamed 'MOMO' perhaps due to her big size. This D-Max 'MOMO' has incredible toughness, remarkable resilience against the elements and impressive power delivery throughout the extreme off-road conditions. The vehicle has not been spotted by many although it's popular in other countries where is used in sports activities. It has been selected due to its fault-free run and amazing performance in the most extreme off-road expeditions with participants driving over sheer 80 degree slopes and knee-high mud. This impressive ride is going for about ten Million shillings due to modifications and available at General Motors showroom along Mombasa road.

The ordinary D-Max is a well known brand proving that a reliable ride can be comfortable too, the Isuzu D-Max Double Cab is as spacious as it is hard-working. Passengers can look forward to the D-Max’s: Legendary ride comfort, Spacious rear seating and Expanded rear entry and exit areas.The ease of entry, exit and comfort ensures an enjoyable ride, even during long journeys. The all-new range has even eliminated most of the cabin noise and vibration by her Common Rail Direct Injection, Turbo Charger and Intercooler technology. What you’re left with is a robust hauler that handles like a dream with an interior reminiscent of a luxury car.

A Fleet favourite, the Double Cab will get you further for less. It’s 2.5litre or 3.0 litres engines are fuel efficient and low on maintenance costs, with some of the lowest costs per kilometre in this segment, lowering operational costs. Safety is key and you will travel safely with features such as rear park assist on selected models, ABS that supports EBD (electronic brake force distribution and six airbags. There are seven kind of colours to choose from during your purchase

The all-new lsuzu D-Max that was launched in May this year has been gaining popularity particularly for its impressively spacious and comfortable cabin, excellent comfort and dynamic engine performance. It features a new 2.5-litre engine that delivers better performance than the older 3-litre engine, making the all-new D-Max a better vehicle whether on or off paved roads while offering superior fuel efficiency than before.

Be safe on our Kenyan roads in 2016 with good suspensions.

Let's call a spade a spade,Most Kenyan cars suffer from noisy suspension. Few take it for granted not knowing the dangers.A noisy car suspension can mean you're in for a bumpy ride, especially if the issue isn't addressed. Discover what different sounds mean and what has to be fixed. Most people think of a vehicle’s suspension as the shock-absorbing function: the feature that allows you a comfortable, smooth ride. But when your car begins to sound funny when you go over a speed bump or turn a corner, more than just the comfort of your ride may be at stake. Worn shocks can increase the time and distance it takes you to stop your car in an emergency situation. Industry experts estimate that worn shocks add, on average of 10% to your stopping distance. At any speed, that 10% can translate to a big difference in your ability to avoid an accident.

How car suspension systems work. Attached to your vehicle’s frame are springs that absorb the jolt of the road’s ups and downs. The shock absorbers do just that: they absorb the shock of the springs’ movement. Around the shock absorber, is a coil spring called a strut. The strut adds to the shock dissipation. These parts work together to deliver a smoother ride and to keep your tires on the road. Don’t ruin your tires One clue the suspension system isn't working properly is uneven wear on your tires, since the shocks should be providing even pressure throughout the tire. You’re already going to have to replace suspension parts; don’t add new car tires to the cost.

Is your car making some of these noises? More importantly, don’t compromise your own safety by driving around with bad shocks and struts. Many noises can emanate from worn or malfunctioning parts and can alert you to problems: 1.A knocking sound when going over bumps or turning corners likely means your worn-out shocks are causing your coil springs to vibrate wildly against your vehicle’s chassis. 2.A grunt or a squeak on bumps or turns means your front steering mechanism is wearing out. This can cause you to lose control of your steering. 3.Bad ball joints in your suspension have been described as sounding like rusty door hinges when you move up and down or back and forth.The effects on above car photo at times. 4.Rattles are harder to diagnose, since many parts of the suspension can make this noise when starting to wear out.

See your local mechanic Describe any and all unusual noises to your local mechanic. They can help diagnose the problem much quicker this way. Suspension systems not only are complicated; they’re also crucial to your safety. Don't hesitate to visit a repair shop if you notice any of the above noises while driving.

Reasons to check your brake pads after Christmas holidays

Happy new year, After the long Christmas holidays most Kenyan's have travelled back to their work places from upcountry. Some of us did thousands of kilometer's which on the other side could affected your car in a way or another due to our rough roads,dust etc. I will concentrate on a few tips to check on your car brake system .Brake pads are the part of your braking system that absorb heat and energy and provide the grip necessary to stop your car.They take the brunt of the frictional force when the brakes are applied, and so they require regular maintenance. Fortunately, brake pads are designed to show clear signals when they need to be replaced. Here are 5 of those signals. Unusual Sounds When Braking If you can hear your car braking, chances are it needs your attention. Worn out brake pads will often make a noise like metal grinding when your car is in motion, and the sound will get louder as the brakes are pumped.Consider any unusual noise from your braking system a warning signal that the pads should be checked. Brake Pads Appear Thin You can see your brake pads by looking through the spaces between your wheel spokes. Check for their thickness. Generally, brake pads shouldn’t be thinner than ¼ inch.Some brake pads are made with a slot in the centre that functions as a wear indicator – it’s a small piece of metal that contacts the brake rotor when the pad has been worn to a certain level. When the wear indicator grinds against the rotor, it will notify you with a squealing noise.

Accumulation of Dust Check your wheel for the amount of brake dust that has accumulated. A by-product of brakes under normal operation, brake dust is a mixture of metallic particles that wear off the surface of the pad.As the pads wear out, the amount of dust they give off will decrease. Noticing cleaner-looking wheels is often a sign brake pads need replacement. Vibrating Steering Wheel A vibrating steering wheel can happen for a number of reasons. It could mean bent rims, that your tires need to be rotated, or there’s a problem with your braking system. If the steering wheel vibrates only when brakes are applied, it’s likely the latter. Start by inspecting the brake pads. Spongy Brake Pedal If your brake pedal feels spongy, slow to respond, or if you find yourself having to press down further than usual on the pedal, it could be a sign of brake pad wear.Pay attention to the alignment of your car as you’re in motion – if it tends to pull to one side, this could also be a sign. Don’t wait for one of these signs to become evident. Check your brake pads every 10,000 kilometers , or refer to your car’s owner manual to find out what’s right for your car. Proper brake pad maintenance means fewer costly repairs and certainty that you can always stop safely.