CV & Exhaust

29/10/2026

28/10/2026

The Fiat Bravo has an interesting history in South Africa, with two very different generations carrying the same name. The original Bravo arrived internationally in 1995 as a sporty three-door hatchback, while its five-door sibling was called the Brava. The name returned in 2007 when Fiat launched an entirely new five-door Bravo in South Africa, replacing the Stilo and taking on rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota RunX and Opel Astra. The local range included a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine producing up to 110 kW, as well as a 1.9-litre Multijet turbodiesel with 110 kW and 305 Nm. A revised Bravo Sport followed in 2010, featuring sporty styling, 17-inch alloy wheels and the more powerful T-Jet engine. The model was discontinued internationally in 2014.

27/10/2026

Lexus V8 conversions have become a popular part of South Africa’s performance and 4x4 scene, transforming everything from old Toyota Hilux bakkies and Nissan Patrols to BMWs, classic cars, taxis and commercial vehicles. The trend grew around the availability of imported Toyota and Lexus V8 engines, particularly the legendary 1UZ-FE 4.0-litre V8 from the Lexus LS 400, introduced in 1989. Later engines, including the 3UZ-FE 4.3-litre V8, offered even more capacity and performance. Their smooth power delivery, all-aluminium construction and reputation for durability made them attractive alternatives to tired or underpowered original engines. Today, specialist conversion workshops (Like Us!) can adapt these engines to a wide variety of vehicles, with custom engine mounts, gearboxes, wiring, cooling systems and exhausts.

26/10/2026

1.6 has a long history in South Africa, locally in 1996 with the Polo Classic sedan, followed by the hatchback, known as the Polo Playa, in 1998. The 1.6-litre petrol engine became a popular choice across later Polo generations, offering a useful balance of everyday performance, fuel economy and straightforward maintenance. In 2010, the fifth-generation Polo arrived with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 77 kW and 155 Nm, available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.6 also became a familiar engine in the Polo Vivo, including the popular Vivo GT.

23/10/2026

The Toyota Yaris arrived in South Africa in November 2005 as a modern, economical hatchback positioned between the entry-level Tazz and the larger RunX. Initially launched with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, it quickly became popular, with Toyota selling 20,000 units in just eight months. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder version followed in 2006, and the range expanded to include a sedan. The next generation arrived in 2011, followed by a major update in 2017 with the 1.5-litre Yaris Pulse. In 2018, Toyota introduced a larger, Thai-built Yaris with Xi, Xs, Cross and Sport variants. The regular Yaris hatchback was eventually discontinued locally, while the performance-focused GR Yaris continued as a separate model.

22/10/2026

The Suzuki Super Carry has roots dating back to 1961 in Japan, when Suzuki introduced its small commercial vehicle under the Suzulight name. Over the decades, it evolved into a compact, practical workhorse for businesses needing to move goods through narrow streets and busy towns. In June 2016, the 11th-generation Super Carry arrived in South Africa, becoming Suzuki Auto South Africa’s first light commercial vehicle. Built in India, it featured a cab-over design, a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. With a claimed 750 kg payload and a generous load bed, it was designed for small businesses, deliveries and everyday working duties.

21/10/2026

Wheel bearings have been essential to cars, trucks and trailers since the earliest days of motoring. Early vehicles used relatively simple bearing arrangements, with steel balls or rollers allowing wheels to rotate while supporting the vehicle’s weight. As motor vehicles became faster and heavier, bearing designs evolved to handle greater loads, heat and friction. Tapered roller bearings became widely used in wheel hubs, particularly on trucks and vehicles with adjustable wheel-bearing preload. Later, sealed double-row bearings and integrated hub assemblies reduced maintenance and made installation easier. Modern wheel bearings are engineered for long service life and may incorporate ABS wheel-speed sensors.

20/10/2026

The Hyundai Grand i10 arrived in South Africa in June 2014, replacing the smaller i10 as Hyundai’s roomier budget hatchback. Its 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produced 64 kW and 120 Nm, with manual and automatic options. A smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder joined the local range in 2017, producing 48 kW and 94 Nm. The updated model arrived in 2018, followed by a new generation in 2020 with a larger body, improved cabin and updated technology. The Grand i10 also spawned a rare local commercial variant, the two-seat Cargo panel van, launched in 2019.

19/10/2026

Silencers have been part of South African vehicle and machinery maintenance for decades, evolving alongside cars, trucks, tractors and industrial equipment. Early exhaust silencers used chambers and baffles to reduce the pressure pulses that create engine noise. As engines became more powerful and noise regulations developed, designs evolved to balance sound reduction with exhaust flow and durability. Today, silencers are built from materials such as aluminised steel and stainless steel to withstand heat, moisture and corrosive exhaust gases, with different designs used for petrol engines, diesels, trucks and stationary machinery

16/10/2026

The Chevrolet Cruze arrived in South Africa in 2009 as a family-sized sedan, initially offered with 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol engines. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel joined the range in 2010, producing up to 120 kW and 360 Nm in later versions. The five-door hatchback followed in 2012, giving buyers a more compact alternative to the sedan. In 2013, Chevrolet introduced the 1.4-litre turbo petrol, producing 103 kW and 200 Nm, using a smaller engine to deliver strong mid-range torque. The Cruze remained on sale locally until Chevrolet withdrew from South Africa in 2017.