BolandSold 04-04-2013.pdf

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PAREL VALLEI: SPACIOUS HOME WITH LUXURY FINISHES

This elegant home in Parel Vallei, Somerset West, is on the market exclusively through Pam Golding Properties, priced at R6,49 million.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Gracious living in Somerset West P

arel Vallei is one of the most prestigious suburbs in Somerset West, sought after for its scenic location at the foot of the Helderberg, as well as its excellent schools and ease of access to shopping, medical and sporting facilities.

Established in the 1950s, the suburb is typified by three- or four-bedroomed family homes on erven of around 1000 m², with prices usually ranging from around R2,5 million to R5,5 million.

However, Pam Golding Properties (PGP) reports there are also a number of more upmarket homes which can fetch up to R8 million and more, depending on their size, location and luxury features.

One such property is currently on the market exclusively through PGP, priced at R6,49 million.

The elegant home occupies an unusually large stand of over 2 100 m², and offers spacious, well-appointed accommodation with a number of luxury finishes. There are three double bedroom suites, including a master bedroom with its own fireplace, and a fully-contained guest suite.

An immaculate eat-in kitchen is fitted with integrated appliances, while the large openplan lounge/dining room opens onto teak patios on both sides of the house.

Other features include a study, temperature-controlled wine cellar, oak floors and airconditioning throughout the home.

The patios overlook a manicured garden which includes a solar-heated swimming pool, water feature and al fresco dining deck shaded by large trees. The garden is watered by automated irrigation using filtered borehole water.

The property’s security features include an alarm system, electronic beams and electric perimeter fencing, while vehicles are housed in a double garage.

PGP agent Mabel Botha says Parel Vallei is noted for its level plots and quiet streets, and is largely sheltered from the prevailing winds.

“It is home to a number of pre-schools, playgroups and primary schools as well as one of the most highly-regarded high schools in So-

merset West, Parel Vallei High.

“This is a dual-medium, co-ed high school with superb facilities, and was ranked 10th in last year’s (2012) list of top schools in the Western Cape, based on the matric exam results. It also has the unusual feature of offering students the opportunity to study for their Cambridge AS- or A-levels in a number of subjects, at the same time as completing their South African matric. This means that they finish school with an internationally-recognised academic qualification which can open doors for them all over the world.”

To view the home, or for more information on the property, contact PGP agent Mabel Botha on 021 851 2633, 083 458 3782 or e-mail mabel.botha@pamgolding.co.za.

HELDERBERG 2 Districtmail Is your house-market ready and would you buy your own house?

4 April, 2013

A sound way of determining if your house is market-ready is to ask yourself: Would you buy your own home?

That’s according to Richard Gray, CEO of Harcourts Real Estate South Africa, who says it’s a question that calls for an honest answer, best arrived at by an objective analysis of its best and worst features. “And if you find it difficult to be objective, get input from someone else who will be honest,” he adds, “since an honest answer will help you arrive at a realistic selling date as well as an achievable selling price.”

Sellers generally don’t see their homes with the same eyes of prospective buyers, he continues. “Broken windows, peeling paintwork, missing roof tiles, sagging gates and mould in the shower – these tend to go unnoticed by owners after a while. Yet, they are detractors that will stand out a mile to buyers, who will either be put off the property completely or they’ll use them to justify a low offer.”

“Buyers who are prepared to upgrade or renovate – and they are in the vast minority – will not pay a premium for the property because of the danger of over-capitalising,” he continues. “It’s therefore critical for sellers to ask themselves what they would expect to get for their money and then, if their home offers this. While shortcomings such as location are unchangeable, there are many budget-friendly improvements that will improve the appearance and buyer appeal of the property significantly.”

The best place to start is in the street outside. Gray explains: “This is where buyers will form a first – and lasting - impression of your home, so you need to assess its verge appeal. If you don’t like its appearance, buyers

probably won’t either. Look critically at the overall state of repair as well as the garden.

Is it neat and welcoming or run-down and over-grown? If the gates sag, the driveway is broken or the garden unkempt and full of weeds, you need to schedule in some maintenance before putting it on the market.”

It’s at this point that a re-paint should be considered, he says further. “Painting is one of the quickest, most effective ways of sprucing up a property, so if your budget permits, list this as a priority. And while your favourite colour may be purple or pink, rather choose a neutral shade that will appeal to the widest selection of buyers.”

Re-hanging gates and cleaning up around the house can also make a big difference to

the property’s saleability, as will getting rid of broken plant pots, fixing broken gutters and windows and weeding and mowing.

Still outside, Gray suggests prospective sellers take a tour of their neighbourhood to see what other properties are on the market. “You need to know what you’re competing with, so ascertain the asking prices and the length of time they’ve been on the market, which will allow you to set a realistic selling price.”

It’s now time for the interior analysis.

Gray’s advice on entering the front door is to stop and sniff. “The smell of animals is extremely off-putting for buyers,” he warns.

“You may be oblivious to the doggy odour emanating from your carpets but buyers won’t be. It’s this type of problem that an honest

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friend should pick up and share, which will in turn allow you to do the requisite cleaning that will make your home market-ready.”

Your home inspection should also focus on mess and clutter, the condition of the interior paint, the cleanliness of the kitchen and bathrooms and how well lit it is. “Prospective buyers like to picture their own furniture and pictures in a house, something that will be almost impossible for them to do if the place is jampacked with tables, chairs, boxes and ornaments,” he points out. For an instant and appealing facelift, his advice is to store all but the most essential stuff and, if necessary, have the inside walls repainted. He also recommends having the grouting redone in discoloured bathrooms and kitchens, tackling dripping taps and cleaning light fittings and switches.”

Gray says most of these are cosmetic fixes that would be recommended by any competent estate agent, bearing in mind that the majority of buyers want to be able to move in and live. “What is not allowed is a superficial patch of major defects such as rising damp, leaky roofs and broken pipes, which will cause you as the seller to run foul of the law.”

Having done a thorough inspection of your home, you now need to establish what price you would be willing to pay for it. “If you arrive at a selling price based on how much you need to pay off debt or upgrade to a better property, you’re going to spend a long time on the market,” warns Gray. In this vein, he also cautions against choosing an agent on the basis of who gives you the highest valuation.

“The bottom line is that if you want the top price for your home, you have to give the market a top product. If you don’t, the buyers will simply move on to the next property.”

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Districtmail 4 April, 2013

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

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HELDERBERG

Districtmail 4 April, 2013

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HELDERBERG 6 Districtmail A Zen-inspired bathroom for peace and serenity... and luxury 4 April, 2013

In order to o cope with the fast pace of modern lives, more and more homeowners are looking to transform their homes into sanctuary-like spaces in which they can relax, unwind and recharge. And, nowhere is this trend more prevalent than in the bathroom.

Jasmin Kraneveldt from Bathroom Bizarre says Asian-inspired bathroom designs are bang-on-trend: “Homeowners are increasingly choosing bathroom designs that evoke a mood of timelessness, serenity, calm and wellbeing – and nothing says this quite as well as an Asian-inspired Zen bathroom. Reminiscent of high-end spas, these designs are an amalgamation of minimalism, clean lines, organic influences and natural hues. A Zen bathroom is the quintessential space in which you can go and forget your worries, relish the peace, and savour some real luxury.”

Zen is a uniquely Buddhist approach to life – part of its teachings focus on experiencing life in the present, the bringing together of mind and body, and how to discover a natural balance and harmony with our environment.

In a Zen bathroom – less is truly more.

“In a bathroom design that boasts Zen-like sensibilities, the design encourages a calm and almost meditative state. The best way to encourage this is to create a space that is free from over-stimulating ornamentation and clutter. Instead, the overall composition should be formed around elements that inspire quiet self-reflection and internal dialogue.”

As a result, Jasmin notes that storage is an incredibly important aspect of any Zen design: “In a room as functional as the bathroom, including enough storage so that none of your essential bathroom products clutter up the space can be problematic. My recommendation is to include a large bathroom vanity with ample drawer and cupboard space, which can hold a host of bathroom products.”

She says a modern vanity with typically Asian influences is ideal: “The Peru 1200 bathroom vanity form Bathroom Bizarre for example, is ideal for any Zen bathroom. Constructed from dark wood, it boasts modern pagoda-style legs that are reminiscent of the traditional upturned roof pagoda towers so

An example of a Zen-inspired bathroom popular in Asian architecture, as well as frosted glass panelling on the two doors, which is evocative of Japanese rice paper shutters.”

Any successful Zen bathroom will feature a lot of organic elements in its design – including the likes of organic woven rugs, rocks and pebbles, and of course the inclusion of a lot of wood and natural light. Jasmin elaborates: “Bringing nature into the design really intensifies the Zen-like quality of the bathroom design. This can be successfully achieved by incorporating plants with an Asian flavour into the design, such as orchids or bamboo

PHOTO: BATHROOM BIZARRE

for example, as well as hanging artwork of elements found in nature, such as prints of fish, flowers or plants for example.”

Lighting is another important consideration. “To create harmony with the outdoors, it is essential to ensure that the bathroom is infused with as much natural light as possible. Electric lighting is also just as important – include an array of spots, as well as a central feature light that will complement the overall design, but also stand apart as a feature in its own right.

“It is very effective to include lighting that

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resonates with nature – available from The Lighting Warehouse, the round Klinton pendant featured in this bathroom for example, reminds us of the soft glow of the moon, while recessed spots are reminiscent of the starry night sky.”

All Zen bathrooms must feature a colour palette that stems from nature, says Jasmin: “Mother Nature offers the best inspiration for colour combinations – if you are ever at a loss of which colours to use together, let nature be your muse.”

In this bathroom, rich grey has been accented with an array of bright turquoise hues for added interest – a colour combination often found by the seaside, where the turquoise ocean hits the grey rocks. Jasmin notes that decorating with grey is one of the hottest trends to hit the decor market, and the bathroom is not different: “Grey is the new beige – it is neutral, but contemporary, and it works well with so many other colours. It also has an edginess to it that makes it even more attractive.

“Grey is able to give rooms extra depth and sophistication, and it is an welcome change from the somewhat dreary cream and beige colour schemes so popular in the recent past.”

She says that the Sahara Gris tiles, available from Bathroom Bizarre, are ideal for bathroom applications: “Glazed porcelain tiles are far superior for bathroom applications when compared to natural stone. Although these tiles look identical to natural slates stone, they boasts a number of qualities that are not inherent in natural stone – glazed porcelain tiles are not porous and don’t need to be sealed, they are easy to clean and maintain, they don’t scratch, they are easy to install and affordable, and they offer great slip-resistance in wet conditions.

The key to creating a Zen-inspired bathroom is creating a feeling of peace, serenity and luxury. According to Jasmin, any Zenbathroom worth its salt will feature a number of spa-like elements that invite you to linger in the bathroom that little bit longer, and to take time out to relax and unwind. “A large free-standing bath, such as the large and deep IOS free-standing bath for example, available from Bathroom Bizarre, is a must-have amenity for long, luxurious soaks.”

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HELDERBERG

Districtmail 4 April, 2013

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Districtmail 4 April, 2013

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

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STELLENBOSCH

Eikestadnuus 4 April, 2013

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Eikestadnuus 4 April, 2013

SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND

Marketing property without a price We’ve previously discussed the importance of pricing correctly when marketing a property with a price. Price creates interest and is the most effective way of attracting buyers.

However, an alternative marketing strategy is to market a property without a price. This is called noprice marketing.

If, as a seller, you are really unsure of the correct market value of your property or if you are unwilling to list Talking Property at market value, then you Caradoc-Davies could opt to list without a price.

Listing without a price is much better than listing at the wrong price. If you overprice a property you will attract the wrong buyers – buyers who are expecting a property of higher value – or you will attract hardly any buyers at all.

If you list without a price then you will attract buyers to the property for what the property offers, and the price will not deter buyers.

There are different selling methods that can be used to market without a price. The first, and the most familiar, is the auction method. A property is marketed with an auction date and buyers are attracted to the property to see what it offers. A wide range of buyers are attracted in price ranges at, above, and below the market value of the home.

Buyers will view the property and they will decide for themselves what the property is worth. Then they will bid what they believe to be a market-value price either at the auction, before it, or after it if not sold at auction.

The seller with then have a clear indication from the market what the market value of the property is. The undeniable fact is that

it’s the market, made up of the buyers, that determine what a property is worth. It’s not the agent, and not the seller who decide this.

Another selling method for no-price marketing is “for sale by tender”. As with auction, a property is marketed without any price and buyers are attracted to the property for what it offers. A tender date is set with the seller and the agent, usually about four weeks after marketing commences. with Steve Buyers will decide what the property is worth and make a written offer that is placed in a sealed envelope and opened by the seller and agent once the tender date closes.

It’s a very effective way of attracting buyers without chasing them away with an inflated listing price. The buyers will tell the seller what they think the property is worth in writing.

At Harcourts Platinum we’ve been using the tender method for over five years to attract buyers when a seller chooses “no-price” marketing. It offers all the benefits of auction marketing, but without the negativity that can be associated with auctions.

So as a seller, if you are unable or unwilling to list at the correct market value of your property, then rather than deter buyer enquiry, consider listing on the no-price method. Of course, no-price marketing will only work when very powerful print and electronic advertising is used so that buyers are attracted to the property. So be sure to use a written advertising plan that is specifically designed for no-price marketing, as without it the selling strategy cannot work.

E-mail your real estate question to steve.cd@harcourts.co.za.

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Eikestadnuus

STELLENBOSCH

Joint Mandate

4 April, 2013

New Release

R5 500 000

Sole Mandate

New Release

R6 650 000

A newly built, delightful home with loads of space, set in a tranquil suburb with mature trees. Offering 5 bedrooms all with air-cons & 6 bathrooms, plus a separate flatlet with its own entrance. Well maintained garden with pool & space for the children.

Christine 082 417 2506 / Graham 084 308 3540

Geniet die vryheid en sorgelose lewensstyl in die regte adres. Voorreg om die Meulstroom deur jou erf te hoor vloei.

Contact: Marelise Visagie 072 776 2645

New Release

Sole Mandate

Joint Mandate

R3 900 000

R750 000

Stellenbosch

An enchanting home with loads of natural light, offering a fine lifestyle within this gated complex. Situated close to Medi-Clinic and Shops this home is a perfect retirement home or scaling down.

Christine 082 417 2506 / Graham 084 308 3540 Each office independently owned and operated

New Release

R2 995 000

Web Ref: 199495

Cute & Cosy modern home in a retirement comPrag eiendom in baie gewilde sekuriteits kompleks. plex close to central town, offering open-plan Winkelsentrum, restaurante en geskenke winkels lounge with kitchen, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. A komplimenteer die ontwikkeling. Iets besonders small yet, manageable garden and built-in braai with single garage, completes this home. met ‘n spesiale ligging!

Christine 082 417 2506 / Graham 084 308 3540 Contact: Marelise Visagie 072 776 2645 Old Mutual Building, 40 Bird Street, Stellenbosch t 021 809 2760 | admin@sothebysrealtystb.co.za | www.sothebysrealty.co.za | www.sothebysrealty.com

Sole Mandate

R3 100 000

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Web Ref: 224229

Wonderful mountain views from this luxurious well appointed home on the Devonvale Estate. Three bedrooms, main en suite. Lovely open plan living area leading to modern granite topped kitchen.

Magical garden and 24 hour security.

Derek 082 776 8282 / Brenda 082 569 4632

Joint Mandate

R1 395 000

New Release

Style, comfort and space combined with excellent security. Enjoy this three bedroom flat in peaceful setting adjacent to Oude Libertas Amphitheatre.

Contact: Marelise Visagie 072 776 2645

12 Paarl Post Wonderful petunias for winter

SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND

4 April, 2013

Petunias are the perfect way to brighten up your winter garden. With their vivid flowers in a kaleidoscopic range of colours, these annuals are a sure fire way of banishing those cold winter blues.

You may wonder at this, as most gardeners consider them to be summer annuals. In fact petunias can be grown all year round. Because they don’t like water of their flowers you must just know what type to plant.

“Grandiflora” petunias have large flowers and are ideal for planting in autumn and winter in summer rainfall areas. “Multiflora” petunias have masses of smaller flowers and are better suited for plantings in spring and summer in thesummerrainfallregionsasthesmallerflow-

ering varieties are more tolerant of rainfall.

The opposite obviously goes for the Western Cape. Petunias are easy to grow and maintain and are hassle-free and generous. They do best in full sun, but can handle partial shade, especially in hotter areas. They are a welcome addition to most parts of your garden, but because of their profuse blooms, petunias are excellent in hanging baskets, either on their own en masse or as a trailing plant in a mixed planting.

Top Tip: If your plants become leggy after a few months, then simply pinch back the plant by half. This will encourage a neater shape and better blooms. Information supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association. For more go to www.lifeisagarden.co.za

Mixed Bravo petunias

Attractive violet petunias with green edges.

A splendid petunia spectacle

PHOTOS: BEDDING PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION

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Paarl Post

PAARL/WELLINGTON

Sole Mandate

4 April, 2013

Web Ref 227944

Paarl | R2 595 000

Paarl | Wellington

Joint Mandate

Web Ref: 227999

Paarl | R2 950 000

Delightful Victorian with rich history within walking distance from town centre. 5 bedrooms, 3 receptions, 2 studies, separate flat and swimming pool. Superb central location.

Contact: Bronwyn Boyd 083 420 1747 Each office independently owned and operated

Beautiful renovated home with modern finishes in sought after area. This house offers 3 bedrooms, main en suite, loads of space and flat with separate entrance.

Contact: Miranda Coetzee 083 414 7212

New Release

Wellington | R1 050 000

Web Ref: 230383

Invest in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, situated in a secure complex on the outskirts of Wellington.

A fantastic plot and plan package.

Contact: Estelle Denys 072 141 4117

Paarl | R3 700 000

Web Ref: 231411

Close to Paarl Girls’ High School, this beautiful home has ample accommodation with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, suited for easy and relaxed living.

Contact: Miranda Coetzee 083 414 7212

Web Ref: 231036

Wellington | Aanbiedinge vanaf R6 500 000

10 Hektaar teen berg! Natuurlike plantegroei en waterstroom, uitsig en ligging. Huis, swembad, gastee eenhede, stoor. ‘n Droomlewenstyl.

Vraprys: R6 900 000.

Kontak: Irene 074 127 9280 / Danie 083 627 2148

140 Main Road, Paarl. 7646. | t 021 870 1011 | info@sirpaarl.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za | www.sothebysrealty.com | www.farmssouthafrica.com | www.farmandranchsir.com

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New Release Web Ref: 231441 Boschenmeer Estate | Offers from R3 900 000 Pure excellence in prime position. Dempers built, library shelves in Mahogany, dressing room cupboards in Pearwood, designed by Pierre Cronje. Asking Price: R4 500 000.

Contact: Bronwyn Boyd 083 420 1747

Web Ref: 224232

Wellington | R2 600 000 (Ohb)

Mooi uitsig, goeie ligging, puik belegging. Hierdie mooi stuk grond, sowat 5 ha, beplant met wingerd, is geskik vir ’n droomhuis. Water en dienste beskikbaar.

Kontak: Irene 074 127 9280 / Danie 083 627 2148

BRUTE: JEEP’S WRANGLER NOW MODERN?

Jeep Wrangler Sahara V6, the colourful dinosaur HANJO STIER

With a lineage that goes back to the first civilian 4x4 vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler is a true American icon which has retained the essence of its ancestor’s shape since 1941.

Jeep kept the dinosaur’s amazing off-road abilities, only adding a few modern conveniences over the years.

Next to airbags and ABS brakes (on- and offroad), Wranglers benefit from ESP, roll mitigation, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, central locking, trip computer, vicious air-conditioning and a rather infuriating multimedia system which won’t play a USB device until you’ve copied its contents to the hard drive. Our Sahara-spec model had other interesting features like two removable (targa) roof panels and what appeared to be a removable canopy or back roof section. A sturdy and padded roll-bar sits underneath all this and we found a rolled-up soft top in the ridiculous boot; together with a thumping Infinity subwoofer (Alpine for 2013 models). You’ll surely agree thatalltheseingredientsspellbigfunanditonly took us two minutes to turn our bright orange Jeep into a semi-convertible. The rear seats have adequate space for two adults or a few kids, plus you can fold them twice or remove them completely to drastically increase boot space.

Some strange characteristics became evident after just a few hours of driving and while everyone loved them, some may be a matter of taste.

The flimsy doors aren’t so flimsy at all, thanks to man-sized door handles and solid rubbers which demand a man-sized shove when closing them. The driving position is fairly low for a 4x4 but the driver’s seat is height-adjustable.

The dashboard rises up steeply with very rudimentarycontrols,ergonomicsareiffy,theaccelerator feels like it’s three feet behind the brake pedal, steering feel is light ‘n fluffy, material quality isn’t bad and this Jeep even has heightadjustable headlights with decent brights.

Slumbering under the bulky bonnet (sorry, hood!) with its extra catches and stoppers is Jeep’s new “Pentastar” 3.6 L petrol V6. Forget about lazy two-valve American iron, this is a modern aluminium-alloy unit with maximum outputs of 209 kW (284 hp) at 6,350 rpm or 347 Nm at 4,300 rpm.

It starts up and commutes with a faint V6 throb but changes to a raspy scream when floored. The five-speed automatic (six-speed manual also available on 2-door Rubicon) isn’t the fastest ‘box on the market but offers a tipfunction and beautifully smooth shifts at any speed – most importantly, also when off-roading. Big body roll and wonky handling are par for this course, as are the obligatory 4x4 jiggles – the on-road sensation which can only come from a proper, old-school ladder-frame and solid axle setup. It spells out that this car means business and the little off-roading we did must’ve seemed like a walk in the park.

Equipped with a four-wheel-drive and lowrange transfer box, the Wrangler is usually in 2-wheel-drive high mode which, together with its chunky tyres, provided sufficient traction for most of our excursions. That may not be very surprising, but the following might be.

Given this robust engineering and the Transformers nature of its roof, we couldn’t believe the Wrangler Sahara’s exceptional highway manners. It’s already comfortable and pleasant

Forget about lazy two-valve American iron, this is a modern aluminium-alloy unit with maximum outputs of 209kW (284hp) at 6,350rpm or 347Nm at 4,300rpm. to drive around town, but you simply wouldn’t believe how quiet and planted it is at 120 km/h. The next shock will arrive from under your right foot and may even catch out hot hatches if that angry V6 catches the right ratio and rockets past the posted limit, complete with Yank Tank pitching nose. The same goes for traffic light starts – we measured 0100 km/h in 7,9 seconds (claimed 8,1) and believe it could easily max its 200 km/h speedo.

The Pentastar motor also has impressive torque so you don’t need to take on every Speed ’n Sound reader with kick-downs, especially because that can get a little expensive.

After a few spirited blasts and some LowRange crawling, our average consumption was just north of 14L/100 km. More sedate driving and highway cruising chipped away at this figure but I certainly don’t need to tell you that a Jeep Wrangler V6 isn’t the most economical vehicle. That also goes for its asking price of R389 900, which includes a threeyear/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan. Economy is very far down on this car’s list and surely that of its existing and prospective owners. At the top of this list, written in day-glo orange (we even spotted a lime green Wrangler) and capital letters, is the word FUN. What we didn’t expect to find, written just below, that it is fast, versatile, smooth, comfy and quiet. – Galimoto Media

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AUTO

Donderdag 4 April, 2013

Hyundai Santa Fe: Kraaknuut 4x4 uit Korea HANS HEESE In die relatiewe kort tydperk wat Hyundai op die plaaslike mark beskikbaar is, het hierdie Koreaanse vervaardiger, by wyse van spreke, die stryd as een van die topverkopers in die land amper stormenderhand oorwin.

Hoe is dit moontlik?

Van die Amerikaanse vervaardigers wat al in die 1920’s monteer-aanlegte in Port Elizabeth gevestig het, sal baie graag die Hyundai-resep wil toepas in die hoogs mededingende mark van vandag. Aanvanklik het hulle die regte resep gehad, maar iewers langs die pad die het hulle die klits kwyt geraak.

Hyundai se resep was eintlik nie ’n geheim nie; begin met ’n basiese motor – sonder tierlantyntjies maar betroubaar – ondersteun die koper met ongekende nasorg en laat hom spesiaal voel en maak hom (of haar) deel van die nuwe “familie”.

Eers dán kan daar meer en meer gesofistikeerde voertuie by die reeks gevoeg word. Een van hulle is die Santa Fé wat nou al sy derde generasie op die mark geplaas het.

Die nuwe Santa Fé is uit-en-uit die Die Santa Fé versnel van 0-100 km/h in 10 sekondes ontwerp van Peter Schreyer wat ver- gooi word. antwoordelik is vir ’n paar Duitse ontwerpe wat steeds die oog bly vang. Hyundai opponente rand-vir-rand die spit laat afbyt.

Die jongste elektroniese hulpmiddels, of dit beskryf die moderne stilering as Fluidic Sculpture wat, myns insiens, basies daarop nou die klank en vermaak gedeeltes is, of die neerkom dat ’n vallende waterdruppel die harde elektronika wat die motor veiliger laat mees aërodinamiese vorm is en dat dit beter hanteer, alles is daar. En dan hier en daar nog brandstofverbruik en optimale verrigting tot ekstras wat die Duitse modelle nie bied nie. gevolg het. En belangrik, ook mooi en byder- Hierdie ekstras sluit in vier luidsprekers en twee tweeters, radio en CD-speler en ook poorwets lyk.

Soos dit maar gaan, word alle sportnuts- te vir AUX-kabels, iPod en USB-poort om alle voertuie nie altyd op werklike rowwe terrein musiekbronne te koppel. Die klankstelsel kan aangewend nie en die aantreklike nuwe Santa van kontroles op die stuurwiel af beheer word.

Geen vervaardiger kan dit meer bekostig Fé is dan ook beskikbaar in sowel die goedkoper 4x2 asook die duurder 4x4-uitgawes. So is om nie al die beskikbare elektroniese veiligdaar ook modelle met vyf en sewe sitplekke heid-stelsels, wat rem-aksie en gly-beheer inbeskikbaar om aan die nuwe eienaar se be- sluit, as standaard-toerusting in te sluit nie. hoeftes te voldoen. Die vlakke van uitvoering Alles wat kan help om ongelukke te vermy en toerusting verskil ook; die oorgrote meer- is daar, en as daar fout kom, is daar die sestal derheid van Suid-Afrikaners is waarskynlik lugsakke wat die skade moet beperk. Die Sanheeltemal tevrede om klaar te kom sonder ta Fé het ook die Euro NCAP veiligheidstoets luukses soos sitplekke wat elektries verwarm met vyf sterre geslaag.

By ons het die nuwe spasiewaens die stasieword.

Dit is dus in hierdie super-luukse klas wat waens grootliks vervang. Dit is dan ook hier die Santa Fé met die Duitsers meeding en die waar die Santa Fé se aanpasbaarheid ter spra-

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uitlaatpype en ’n hoë remlig met LEDbeligting. Van die kant gesien is die allooiwiele ’n bate vir die Santa Fé; by die standaarduitgawe is die wiele 17”, by die Executive en Elite modelle is die wielgrootte onderskeidelik 18” en 19”. Die spaarwiel is netjies weggesteek onder die laairuimte in die bak.Dit sover die uiterlike kenmerke van die nuwe langpad-ryperd.

Die mooiste eienskap van die nuweling is die beproefde en wakker 2,2 liter 16-klep-turbodieselenjin wat 145 kW teen 3 800 rpm ontwikkel en die 436 Nm wat tussen 1 800 en 2 500 rpm beskikbaar is. Die krag word na die wiele oorgedra deur ’n baie gladde 6 gang-ratkas. Hierdie goeie verrigting kan gedeeltelik toegeskryf word aan die gebruik van ’n enkelbuis inspuitingstelsel.

Die Santa Fé versnel van 0 – 100 km/h in 10 sekondes en die naald gaan draai by 190 km/h as die kole gegooi word. Volgens Hyundai kan ’n algehele verbruik van 8,3 liter per 100 km verwag word; afhangende van die bestuurstyl van die bestuurder.

Die nuwe wa is effens langer en breër as sy voorganger en die grondvryhoogte is effens minder. Dit is dan ook hoekom hy meer beenspasie en en die naald gaan draai by 190 km/h as die kole ge- gemak vir die passasiers gee. Die laer hoogte van die grond af maak hom FOTO: QUICKPIC nog steeds ’n goeie gruispadvreter, die doel waarvoor hy ontwerp is. Hierdie perd ke kom.

Die Premium-model is die intreevlak wa uit die Hyundai-stal is nie bedoel om met Land met voorwielaandrywing en sitplek vir vyf, Cruisers en Land Rovers mee te ding nie. Desmet ’n reuse-kattebak wat meer as 1 000 liter ondanks beskik die nuwe knaap oor ’n sluitbakan hou. Selfs ’n man wat net dogters het sal re sentrale ewenaar op die 4x4-modelle om al die bagasie vir ’n lang vakansie kan inpak steiltes met los oppervlaktes of sneeupaaie sonder om ’n Ventertjie aan te haak. By die aan te durf. Kragoordrag vind dan plaas op duurder Executive en Elite-modelle, met sewe ’n 50:50 verdeling van krag op die voorste en sitplekke in gebruik, is daar steeds verbasend agterste aste. Die funksie skakel outomaties af as 40 km/h oorskry word. baie pakplek oor.

Die vlagskip van die reeks is die Elite wat ’n Belangrike kenmerk is die middelste ry sitplekke waarvan die rugleunings agteruit spog met ’n vollengte sondak en miniatuur kakan kantel om die maksimum gemak vir die mera om te wys wat agter die voertuig aanpassasiers op die langpad te verseker. En ter- gaan.

En wat kos hierdie wakker bussie? Die voorloops, wanneer die heel agterste sitplekke nie gebruik word nie, vou hulle netjies plat om wielaandrywing Premium jaag jou R434 900 uit die sak, die 4x4 Executive met sewe sitplek’n gladde laai-oppervlak te verseker.

Aan die buitekant is daar al die ontwerpers- ke R459 900 en die top Elite met sy panoramienuwighede soos Xenon-hoofligte met LED- se sondak R499 900. Ingesluit hierby is die gestroke wat ook as flikkerligte in die buite- moedsrus van Hyundai se 5 jaar/150 000 km spieëls dien; kenmerke van die duur luukse waarborg, en meer belangrik, sy 5 jaar of 90 000 km dienskontrak. Diensintervalle is elmotors.

Aan die agterkant is daar ook twee dubbel- ke 15 000 km.

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SOLD AUTO BOLAND

Donderdag 4 April, 2013

Volvo V40 D3 Elite – a combination of design, features and drive HANJO STIER I often get asked for car buying advice and happily dispense it, even if it’s just confirmation of someone’s top choices. It’s very rare that someone derails from these and ends up buying something completely different.

It’s even rarer that they confess this mistake to me: “We should’ve bought the V40!”

The couple in question shall remain nameless and I assume that the two parties weren’t on the same page when it came to replacing a little German MPV. When given their shortlist of possible candidates, my vote immediately went to the V40, which also made Galimoto Media’s cars of 2012 list.

Not every one of our staff members has had a chance behind the wheel of Volvo’s new hatchback estate effort, but those who have, alighted with smiling Volvo’s trademark floating central hang-down section with very minimalist buttons – these will take some getting used approval. This car thing you could possibly need, including ventilation. has a wonderful comSpeaking of which, this specification level bination of design, features and drive which 100 km/h sprint of 9,3 seconds and 205 km/h top speed. Claimed average consumption is allows you to customise the interior’s mood gels into a very pleasurable experience.

It even manages to disguise the loathed sta- 5,2 L/100 km from the 60 L tank while average lighting in one of nine colours and half the instrument panel is made up of high-resolution wagon shape underneath a beautifully ta- CO2 output is pegged at just 136 g/km.

Our average for the week was slightly high- tion displays. Fuel level and gear position are pered and sculpted form which most observers mistake for a lengthy hatchback. On top er at 7,2 L/100 km. However, this figure will displayed in light bars, but all other informaof that, pricing is very competitive, options plummet and your range will skyrocket when tion is taken care of by crisp LCD units.

The large central dial is flanked by two archare relatively cheap and you have the choice you cruise on the highway. The V40 D3 is quiet and planted at three-digit speeds, its torque ing displays which change according to the of five engines and four trim packages.

I could end my review now as you’ve proba- reserves are perfect for safe overtaking and selected programme – Economy, Performbly gathered that I highly recommend the Vol- the five-cylinder even makes a pleasing gruff ance or Elegance. This will turn the trio into vo V40, but I’ll do my best to dig a little deeper noise. Handling ability and grip are more than any combination of revs, speed, coolant teminto our test vehicle, a V40 D3 (2-litre in-line adequate for an estate or hatchback while the perature, economy meter, power reserve, five-cylinder turbo-diesel) Geartronic (six- steering has enough feeling to liven up that range, consumption and trip information.

Taking centre stage in the dashboard is anspeed automatic) Elite (top spec) trimmed in occasional spirited drive. The V40 lacked shift paddles on its steering wheel, which can be other LCD display for audio and vehicle setwhite wiff black leather.

The 1,984 cc engine manages maximums of excused in a six-speed turbo-Diesel fitted with tings. It sits atop Volvo’s trademark floating central hang-down section with very mini110 kW (150 hp) or 350 Nm, resulting in a 0- an illuminated tip-shift gear lever.

malist buttons – these will take some getting used to but operate everything you could possibly need, including ventilation.

Passenger comfort is superb for four adults or two adults and three kids; boot volume is a modest 335L (in estate terms) and the rear seats fold almost flat (as does the front passenger seat) in a 60/40 split to extend carrying capacity. A Volvo V40 D3 can tow 700-1,500 kg (un/ braked) and carry 500 kg, 75 of that on its roof.

Safety equipment includes ABS brakes with numerous assistance systems, active cornering lights, dynamic vehicle stability and traction control, Volvo’s city safety collision detection and prevention system, adaptive brake lights, multiple airbags, side impact protection, whiplash prevention and many more. Our test car also had LED daytime running lights, powto but operate everyered driver’s seat, lots of leather, snazzy black roof spoilers, cruise control, rear park assist with camera, selectable start/stop system, rain sensor, high performance audio system with Bluetooth, audio streaming, CD and mp3 capability.

The alloy wheels on our car even had extra moulded covers called “aerodynamic disc concept” which aim to improve the car’s drag / air resistance and thereby improve fuel economy. Being dark grey in colour, they also disguise nasty brake dust for days.

There are lots of other little features and this model will cost you R353 700 with a fiveyear/100 000km warranty and maintenance plan. So the Volvo V40 D3 is great to drive, clever, safe and good value, but it does have one bad mark to its name: the turning radius is rubbish. – Galimoto Media

Hooray for Hyundai’s new diesel i20 FRANS LE ROUX Having tested Hyundai’s new i20, I knew what I was getting myself into when I heard that a new diesel offering was available.

A bit more than six months ago I drove the top-spec 1.4 Glide model which has 74 kW/136 Nm and retails for R181 900. I was impressed by the little hatchback’s standard features and its pleasant interior.

More of the same is to be found inside the new 1.4 CRDi turbodiesel. Power delivery is smooth and the small oil burner pulls nicely through the revs. It’s mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox and produces an adequate 66 kW/220 Nm. On the open road is where you start to enjoy the CRDi. In town the driver needs to concentrate on the clutch to successfully launch the i20. With a fair amount of turbo lag, your timing is crucial. Stalling will be part of your routine for the first couple of days. In order for you to keep moving, a fair amount of throttle play is needed. Diesels also have a tendency to rev lower and the i20 is no different. Thanks to that 6th gear the engine spins just a smidgen above 2 000 rpm at legal highway speeds.

The handling is acceptable for a front wheel drive hatch and no major problems were experienced. The steering feel, however, was just

too light for my liking. Good if you love parking, bad if you want to avoid something at speed. Speaking of parking, the rear park assist is a nice touch and especially welcome when struggling to parallel park. A feature such as this was only seen on expensive German cars a decade ago. Today, however, on a small Korean hatchback, Hyundai fitted park assist as standard. Hooray for Hyundai!

Looks stay the same on the i20 as Hyundai’s signature Fluidic Design theme is used. The edgy foglights complement the simple black grille. A rather large airdamp is found below the numberplate and ads to a certain sportiness.

Rivals include the ever popular Kia Rio, VW Polo and Ford’s Fiesta. Standard service plan and warranty are class leading at Hyundai.

A 3 year/60 000 km service plan combined with a 5 year/150 000 km warranty and roadside assistance makes the i20 an attractive option.

Overall, the i20 range offers something for every kind of buyer. The 1.2 starts at R144 900 while the diesel is the most expensive at R195 900. If it was my money I would opt for the middle of the range and purchase 1.4 Fluid for R169 900. For more information visit www.hyundai.co.za or contact Adolf at 021 862 2941.

The addition of the new diesel to the already comprehensive i20 line-up just adds to the desirability of this solid hatchback.

PIC: FRANS LE ROUX