Work hard ATV
Many folks within the commercial and agricultural business will have heard of ETG Logistics. For those that haven't, Indian-owned, ETG Logistics is a global company with a footprint spanning over 50 countries and has set up a base of operations here in South Africa. They service most of sub-Saharan Africa with their agricultural, and logistics offerings, have a number of agencies for agricultural equipment, foodstuffs as well as trucking, and have now branched out into the automotive sector. Their newest agency that they are bringing to the SA market, is the TGB Blade range of ATVs.
The TGB (Taiwan Golden Bee) Blade is a Taiwanese-made offroad utility vehicle that is not only stylish but also very hardy for the numerous environments that the machines are used for in countries around the world.
TGB manufactures Vespa components for the global market and boasts a number of firsts. they were the first to develop a CVT transmission in Taiwan and manufacture 50, 125, and 300cc bikes for the global market, they also produce 400, 500, 600, and 1000cc ATVs for the global market and have become a well-known premium brand in Europe with over 40 years of R&D experience. In Australia, they are the only ATV brand that has done homologation for on-road use and for use within the highly regulated mining sector.
The local market in South Africa for leisure ATVs is dominated by the likes of Can-Am, Polaris, Suzuki, and Yamaha. These vehicles are used for a variety of purposes ranging from outdoor activity to racing and often come with a hefty price tag.
We headed to Gerotek Testing Facility in the NorthWest to give the first offerings from TGB a shakedown and find that these ATVs can play just as hard as they can work.
Drive train
The 600 Blade is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 561cc, 4 stroke petrol engine mated to a CVT transmission and produces 33.4kW and 46.5Nm. the 4x2 or 4x4 drive goes to the wheels via shaft drive and is put down to the ground through 240mm travel shock absorbers and the 12" aluminium wheels and 8 ply Kenda tyres.
Surprisingly enough the Blade will reach a top speed of 100km/h and use just 9l/100km while zipping along at a very steady pace. In order to keep your arms from going dead from wrestling the 450kg weight, you get speed-sensitive power steering to help you along the trail.
The Blade is also equipped with a tow hitch that can tow 850kg braked with a load-bearing of 50kg on the hitch and upfront gets a 1350kg winch to get you out of the stickiest of situations.
TGB Blade 600 AR EPS 4x4
The AR model is aimed directly at commercial applications. It has a longer wheelbase and wider seat to accommodate the 200kg capacity tipping load bin that will find use on working farms, hunting retreats, game reserves, and industrial sites. Due to its workhorse nature, the rear suspension has been set stiffer than the SE model but you still get a comfortable yet powerful ride. ETG has stated that they are concentrating on this segment as the leisure side makes up a very small allotment of trade with the majority of Blade sales allocated to farming and industrial use.
TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4
The SE derivative is geared towards the leisure market with its sporty styling and narrower two-up seating arrangement with a backrest. The SE is also clad in plastic carriers for adventure riding and general utility use and is also equipped with rearview mirrors as well as all the associated trimmings such as head and taillights, indicators, and number plate mounting board to make this ATV road legal.
Pricing
| TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4 | R 183 500 |
| TGB Blade 600 AR EPS 4x4 | R 195 500 |
Verdict
It is safe to say these ATVs are NOT a cheap and nasty product that is going to leave you stranded. With 98% stock holding on essential service items and 85% stock holding on drivetrain spares, as well as a comprehensive warranty, you will have the peace of mind that if needed your TGB wont be down for long. At this initial stage, ETC says that they have 10 dealers lined up at launch and will have expanded to over 30 countrywide by April next year. The good news doesn't end there though as ETC has also confirmed that this is just the beginning as we can look forward to a rollout of exciting new offerings that range from motorcycles and 3 wheel last-mile delivery vehicles to side by sides and other ATV style utility vehicles.
