Boland Sold 20/21 December 2012

20/21 DESEMBER 2012 13 ­ 15

1 ­ 12

16 ­ 18

SECTIONAL TITLE: CLOSE TO FACILITIES

An artist’s impression of some of the units at Pine Mews Estate

Good value at Pine Mews P

ine Mews Estate is situated on Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, opposite Pine Creek and Pine Hurst Estates.

These stylish Pine Mews sectional title homes now offer buyers some of the best value in real estate in Somerset West.

The estate comprises 22 two-bedroom duplex sectional title homes with a single garage and parking bay, 16 three-bedroom duplex sectional title homes with a single garage and parking bay, and 2 three-bedroom simplex sectional title homes with a double garage.

Pine Mews Estate provides comfortable living areas with beautiful surroundings in a secure estate, as well as remote access controlled security with an intercom system, your choice of quality finishes and an indoor braai in each unit. The development is centrally lo-

cated and within a few minutes from Somerset Mall and the Strand’s beaches. There are excellent schools, sports and fitness facilities and the most modern health and medical amenities available in the vicinity, and the estate is complemented by uninterrupted mountain views.

De Kaap Projects, in collaboration with Claudy Fourie Properties, has created a development that offers the buyers a product that can be easily financed and which will deliver exceptional value. Everyone has worked together to create a quality product that will appeal to buyers. The two- and three-bedroom homes make excellent use of space and the standard of finish and the options buyers have are outstanding for this price range. Buyers pay a 10% deposit and when the property is completed, the balance is paid on registration.

DALSIG

R3 200 000

R1 600 000

Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2 | Parking 1

Stylish and spacious with modern kitchen and stunning views.

STELLENBOSCH

BANGHOEK

Kantoor 021 887 4740 Marina 082 557 0864 Janine 082 499 0222 Cornette 082 569 9160

Uitstekende onthaal huis met woonstel in boomryke straat.

STELLENBOSCH

Claudy Fourie Properties is offering 2-bedroom duplex homes at R769 900 (inclusive of VAT), larger 3-bedroom duplex homes at R879 900 (inclusive of VAT) and two simplex units with a double garage at R995 900 (also inclusive of VAT).

The developer is NHBRC registered, which means that the buyer has a 5-year guarantee on the structure of the building. The development has been approved by all the banks and the potential buyer can be assured of a house loan at his preferred bank when purchasing a property in the development.

The sole mandate agent for Pine Mews is Claudy Fourie Properties. Call Claudy Fourie on 083 441 416 or e-mail her at claudy@claudyfourieproperties.com For more information go to our website: www.claudyfourieproperties.com

R5 300 000

Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3 | Garages 2

DE ZALZE WINELANDS & GOLF ESTATE Enjoy a secure and relaxed lifestyle.

An artist impression of the duplex units at Pi­ ne Mews

SMALL HOLDING

R4 950 000

A piece of paradise, surrounded by mountains and river passing by.

STELLENBOSCH

R1 995 000

Bedrooms 2 | Bathroom 2 | Garage + Park

Mag die Kerstyd en 2013 vir u elkeen besonders wees. Baie dankie vir u Quaint lock up and go near shopping volgehoue ondersteuning (sedert 1972). centre and Stellenbosch golf course.

DIE BOORD

R2 350 000

Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 2 | Garage 1

Starter home with private garden.

2

Districtmail

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

20 Desember, 2012

Gordon's Bay R600 000 Gordon's Bay Golf Estate ,2 Bedrooms , Full Bathroom , Lounge , Dining Room , Kitchen , Garage , Garden Natasja le Roux 072 173 1194

Strand R 1 850 000 Goede Hoop Area 3 Living Areas,6 Bedrooms with BIC,3 Bathrooms,3 Garages , Pool Eileen 082 926 7638

Strand R700 000 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Secure Complex in Twin Palms Strand Open plan Kitchen / Living Area 1.5 Bathrooms, Single Garage Arnold 082 591 1523

Strand R1 920 000 North facing spacious home,4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms, Dining Room, Pool , Staff Quarters.

Nola Nell 082 777 0848

T 021 854 7220 F 021 853 6483 E strand@rigroup.co.za

We would like to wish all our clients a merry Christmas and all the best for 2013 .

Thanks for your support and we strive to give you the best services in the new year .

Gordon's Bay R 1 620 000 Gordon's Bay Retirement Village 24 hour Medical care ,3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Open Plan Kitchen, Lounge, Study, Garage.

Annie 082 552 4130

Strand R 1 450 000 Neat Lock up and go in Secure Complex, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge , Dining room, Indoor Braai , Double Garage.

Yolanda Fourie 079 514 3298

Strand R 810 000 3 Bedrooms , Bathroom , Open Plan Living Area , Garage .

On Large Plot.

Caroline Minnaar 082 501 6942

Gordon's Bay R 735 000 Gordon's Bay , 3 Bedrooms , 1 Family Bathroom , Lounge , Kitchen , , Braai Area , Pool .

Juan 082 764 4622

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail

20 Desember, 2012

3

4

Districtmail

20 Desember, 2012

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

Districtmail

HELDERBERG

20 Desember, 2012

5

RE NE LE W AS E

TR

AN NO DU S TY FER

BOLAND SOLD

ON SHOW SUN 2:00-5:00PM

Secure now, pay when completed Choice of finishes 3 Bedrooms, main en-suite Granite kitchens Double auto garages 24 Hour security

Like us on Facebook Search for Harcourts Platinum

6

Districtmail

20 Desember, 2012

Like us on Facebook Search for Harcourts Platinum

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

Districtmail

HELDERBERG

20 Desember, 2012

5

Si

lver Fox Estate

Like us on Facebook Search for Harcourts Platinum

B

lue Crane Estate

7

8

Districtmail

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

20 Desember, 2012

new development for sale luxury beachfront apartments

24

2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments

www.97onstrand.com

sales office: 97 Beachroad, 7140 Strand (open from 10.30 until 16.00) phone office hours: 079-820 56 46 outside office hours: 076-043 46 40 of 082-255 95 55

info@97onstrand.com

5

penthouses

from r 1.295.000 to 1.895.000

from r 3.200.000 to 4.750.000

vat incl. no transferduty appl.

vat incl. no transferduty appl.

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail

20 Desember, 2012

9

HELDERBERG 10 Districtmail Tight lending and high debt constrict sales volumes in petering economy

BOLAND SOLD

20 Desember, 2012

Continued tight mortgage lending, high household debt and slow economic growth are constricting sales volumes says Seeff chairman, Samuel Seeff.

Our agents report that demand for residential property is up this year,.

Show-day attendance and advertising response are also up by about 20% and more people are willing to buy, but many would-be buyers are still having difficulty qualifying for home loans.

While the low interest rate seems to have spurred a willingness to buy – especially in sub R1,5 million market – about 67% of home buyers are reliant on mortgage finance.

Sales volumes are a function of lending and while the demand is there, it is not filtering through to the market in terms of the banks’ propensity to grant home loans, he says.

At the height of the market (between 2004 and 2007), it was not unusual to see monthly transaction volumes in the upper thirty and forty thousands, says Seeff.

This slumped by more than 50% to under 16 500 in 2009 and has since improved by 20% to around 20 000 transfers per month.

By contrast, the number of bonds registered annually since 2009 remains at about half of what it was during the peak. We would have liked to have seen a corresponding improve-

ment in home loan approvals by now, he adds.

For the market to normalise, Seeff believes that monthly transaction volumes should be at between 25 000 and 30 000 transfers per month.

With house prices remaining relatively flat, not only buyers, but the banks too should be encouraged to find real value in the market right now. There is security in bricks and mortar, especially now that homes are more correctly valued.

Seeff believes that this, together with the continued deposit requirements, should serve as encouragement for the banks.

Home ownership creates security, stability

and a strong economic foundation, yet only 58,1% (according to Statistics SA General Household Survey, 2010) of South Africans own their own homes; only 5% more than in 2002.

By contrast, home ownership in Brazil has grown to about 75% in just ten years. One of the aspects to encourage home ownership, was a lengthening of the loan repayment period to 30 years from the norm of 20 years.

However, the greatest factor has been strong economic growth over a sustained period, while economic growth in South Africa appears to be petering out in relation to other African countries.

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail

20 Desember, 2012

11

12

Districtmail

20 Desember, 2012

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

Eikestadnuus

STELLENBOSCH

20 Desember, 2012

13

Sectional titles not suitable for running a business SOMERSET WEST

R2 950 000

STELLENBOSCH

R1 450 000

JOINT MANDATE

ALLEENMANDAAT

QUALITY ON THE FARM Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garage 2 WEB 270567 Top quality finishes in brand new home. Views over vineyards in boutique wine estate. Dream lifestyle and security.

KOM KYK! Kamers 3 Badkamers 2 M/Huis 1

[O] 021 843 3368

GERHARD 076 590 7758

STELLENBOSCH

R1 695 000

WEB 279487

Lae onderhoud woning op hoekerf oorkant park met praktiese uitleg, moderne afwerking en lugversorging.

[K] 021 886 7905

DROEKS 082 685 9189

STELLENBOSCH

R6 450 000

SOLE MANDATE

CAMPUS GEM! A MUST VIEW Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Parking 2

PARADYSKLOOF WEB 274316 Kamers 4 Badkamers 4 M/Huis 4

WEB 270021

Neat 3 bedroom apartment at a great price in the perfect position across the road from HB Thom Theatre.

Ideaal vir ‘n familie met ‘n besige leefstyl. Vir die onthaalliefhebber is daar ‘n ingeboude braai met maklike toegang tot kuierstoep en swembad.

[O] 021 886 7905 MARISKA 082 823 0718

[K] 021 886 7905 HETTIE 083 263 0559

STELLENBOSCH

R5 475 000

SASSY AND STUNNING Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garage 2

WEB 277009

A real family home which has it all: fantastic flow from living to entertainment area.

[O] 021 886 7905

WELLINGTON

SOPHIA 082 824 6798

R1 080 000

JUST PERFECT.....

Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 Garage 1

WEB 279926

STELLENBOSCH

R7 350 000

DE ZALZE WINELANDS GOLF ESTATE Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garage 2 WEB 2 Supreme privacy next to an Olive orchard, this generous and spacious home will satisfy the discerning buyer.

[O] 021 886 7905

SOPHIA 082 824 6798

WELLINGTON

R1 450 000

FOR THE ENTERTAINER!!!

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2

WEB 264125

Immaculate town house in small complex. Extra spacious living areas with good flow. Private garden.

Solid family home on a plot of 914m². 2 Spacious entertainment areas with bar and indoor braai.

[O] 021 864 2948

[O] 021 864 2948

CARMEN 082 490 0994

WELLINGTON

R 750 000

SCALING DOWN Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Garage 1

CARMEN 082 490 0994

PAARL

R5 600 000

DIE BESTE ADRES WEB 279580 Kamers 4 Badkamers 4 M/Huis 2

WEB 280229

Open plan living area with aircon. Small garden with braai area. Garage has direct access into the house.

‘n Perfekte huis vir mense wat ief is vir onthaal. Die beste afwerkings plus ongelooflike uitsig. Kom kyk!!

[O] 021 864 2948

[K] 021 872 2223

CARMEN 082 490 0994

LITA 083 498 1018

For various reasons, more and more people want to work at home rather than commute to an office every day, but this can pose a problem if they live in a sectional title (ST) scheme, and they may need to get the permission of the body corporate before they go ahead.

That’s the word from Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group, who says: “It is clear from the Sectional Titles Act that flats and townhouses, for example, are intended for residential use, and cannot be used as offices or places of business unless the owners of all the other units in that ST scheme agree in writing to a ‘change of use’.

“However, as in other ST matters, there is likely to be a high degree of subjectivity when it comes to deciding what actually constitutes a change of use.”

For example, he says, a consultant working at or from home, in a spare bedroom that has been converted to an office by installing a desk and computer, could hardly be said to be using his or her section for a purpose for which it is not intended. After all, many homes have computers and internet connections, and many people bring some work home from the office every day.

“However, a garage in an ST scheme is intended as a parking place for a motor vehicle and a storeroom is intended for storage purposes. Neither of these is designated a ‘habitable’ area and even if the consultant’s growing business requires more space, neither can be converted for this purpose without the written consent of all the other owners.”

Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, Everitt says that running a business from within a flat or townhouse that involves deliveries or storage of trade materials, or perhaps the use of visitors’ parking for clients and staff, is quite a different proposition, and that an application to the body corporate for “change of use” in this way is unlikely to be approved.

“Similarly, the applicant’s fellow residents are hardly likely to give consent to anything they think might create a noise or nuisance problem – such as a music school, for example. In addition, the prescribed management rules for ST schemes prevent owners or residents from operating any enterprise that might harm the ‘reputation’ of the scheme – and what that might be is of course open to very wide interpretation.”

16

Eikestadnuus

SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND

20 Desember, 2012

Seller: Compare sales and know the true value of your home The practice of estate agents “buying” sole mandates – which last reared its ugly head before the 2009 recession – is becoming prevalent again and causing market distortion as well as significant financial losses for property sellers.

So says Jan Davel, MD of the RealNet estate agency group, who explains that “buying” a mandate is the practice of deliberately inflating the estimated selling price of a property in order to get the home seller to award a sole mandate.

“This is happening again all over SA,” he says, “and what’s worse is that the biggest offenders are usually not inexperienced newcomers to the industry as one might expect, but well-seasoned agents in the employ of some of the biggest name companies in the real estate industry.”

And property sellers should be under no illusion that agents who overvalue their properties in order to secure their sole mandate will cause them financial harm, says Rob Allan, principal of the RealNet franchise in Randburg, where the buying of mandates is currently rife.

“We believe the practice of securing mandates on this basis is thus tantamount to defrauding sellers. It is also causing sellers to lose confidence in agents in general and doing damage to the real estate industry as a whole.”

It is a long-established fact, he says, that potential buyers will quickly lose interest in a property which is overpriced, and that it will then languish in the market until the seller, who was misguided by his agent’s original overvaluation, decides either to withdraw it or to drop the price significantly – and quite possibly below what he would have sold it for had it been priced correctly in the first place.

“Properties that are correctly priced in our area will now sell within four to six weeks, but if a property with a bond of R800 000, say, lingers in the market for an extra six months because the asking price is too high, it will cost the seller almost R42 000 in additional bond repayments that could have been spent on transfer costs, or repaying the bond on a new property.

“There are also the additional rates, service costs and maintenance to consider – which could easily amount to another R20 000. Then if the house has gone ‘ stale’ and you have to drop your asking price

by R50 000, say, in an attempt to renew buyer interest, your total loss could be R112 000, or about 14% of the existing bond.”

John Knight, co-principal of the RealNet franchise serving the coveted holiday home destinations of Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, says the practice of buying mandates is rife in these areas at the moment as rogue agents seek to “tie up stock and close everyone else out of the market during our busiest time of the year.

“And it is of course human nature to want the highest price possible when selling your home, but just as buyers have become much more knowledgeable about the property market over the past few years, we think the time has come now for sellers to wise up to the dangers of this practice and take a much stronger and more informed stance when it comes to choosing an agent to work with.”

The main thing to keep in mind as a seller, he says “is that your estate agent’s actual role is to facilitate a sale at the best possible price in the shortest possible

time, not to obtain a sole mandate from you.

“So if one agent’s estimate of the selling price of your home is considerably higher than that of other agents, why not just ask if he or she would personally buy your house at that price and see what reaction you get.”

Davel notes that estate agents are actually obliged by law to give sound advice based on facts, not hearsay or speculation. “Consequently you should be looking for an agent who is very accurately and realistically tuned in to current market conditions and especially to what buyers in your area want. “It is important to remember that market value is not a fixed price, but rather

the value that the buyer will put on the property at the moment of purchase, and that accurate information that enables the correct pricing of your property closest to this value is paramount, since this is what creates the greatest initial interest and will lead to the quickest sale at the best possible price.

“The most effective agents are thus those who will use tools such as a Comparative Market Analysis – based on independent statistics – to accurately ‘read’ the market in your area and give you informed advice on setting an asking price that is likely to draw a good response and result in a successful sale.”

18

Paarl Post

20 Desember, 2012

SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND

DUNES: STILL A BIG CHALLENGE

Hilux takes on Dakar Rally T

he 34th racing of the Dakar Rally in January 2013 will once again feature a number of intrepid South Africans and, notably, uniquely South African vehicles. These include two Toyota Hilux V8 double cab pick-ups designed and built for the Dakar by Kyalami-based Hallspeed for Toyota Motorsport and backed by Toyota, Imperial Toyota, Duxbury Netgear, SAA, Innovation Group and Toyota Financial Services.

The two Toyotas will be crewed by 2009 Dakar winners Giniel de Villiers and German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz, and 2012 SA off road champions Duncan Vos and Rob Howie, the same team that finished a remarkable third and 10th respectively in the 2012 Dakar Rally in South America at Toyota’s first attempt at the world’s longest and toughest motor race.

The racing Hilux pick-ups represent the best of South African technological and engineering expertise and are the result of years of development and practical experience in the South African off road championship, con-

sidered one of the strongest national championships in the world.

They are based on the production version and utilise standard components wherever possible. Due to the nature of the Dakar and its uniquely demanding requirements they are modified to cope with the extreme conditions encountered in the 9 000 kilometre 15day race through Peru, Argentina and Chile.

Apart from the Group N engine, which is Toyota’s latest technology production 5,0-litre all-aluminium V8 fitted with a 36 mm air restrictor to meet Dakar regulations and a racing six-speed sequential gearbox from SADEV, built to Toyota Motorsport’s specifications, almost all the other components have been built in South Africa.

The engine is a showcase of modern technology and has a four variable cam system with the inlet cams controlled by electric motors and provides extremely accurate control over all rev ranges. Variable inlet cam length provides better and wider torque curve. The engine is fed by an electric throttle.

The Dakar Hilux features a Land Cruiser based rear-mounted radiator. The braking

The engine is a showcase of modern technology and has a four variable cam system with the inlet cams controlled by electric motors and provides extremely accurate control over all rev ranges.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

system was upgraded for racing conditions by SA-based Power Brake and has 320 x 32 mm ventilated discs all round and 6-piston callipers front and rear.

The wiring harness was made race-ready

by Toyota Motorsport. Because of the 170 degrees Centigrade under-bonnet temperatures, the highest spec aeronautical cable and heat shielding is used for the engine management harness.

Eight separate sub-harnesses make up the wiring system and in total there were 450 metres of wire and 37 separate electrical connectors. Each harness was designed on a computer and then made by hand.

The safety roll cage was designed and built in-house using chrome-moly tubing. The cage is required for motor racing and not only provides safety but is also an integral part of the structure to increase torsional stiffness. The racing exhaust system, designed in-house, is handmade in the Toyota Motorsport workshop.

The vehicle is left-hand drive to conform to overseas export market requirements.

Ground clearance has been raised to 300 mm and the vehicle conforms to the 1 975 kg weight class with two spare wheels fitted at the back.

Special Rally Raid all-terrain competition tyres are made by Michelin.

The evolution version of the racing Hilux features a number of changes over the version that did so well in South America in January.

Team principal Glyn Hall explains: “The new Hilux is now probably 80% the same as when it finished the Dakar.

“The 5-litre version of Toyota’s latest technology all-aluminium standard production V8 engine develops more torque than this year’s 4,6-litre version. This gives better performance in sand, but surprisingly makes little difference on gravel. The extra 40 kilograms puts us in a higher weight category, but doesn’t seem to hamper performance too much.

“The rules for Dakar 2013 are more in our favour,” added Hall. “In January this year we ran to the 2013 rules, with a standard production engine, while our main competitors didn’t, so they enjoyed a power advantage and

better weight distribution. This time they will be a lot closer to us and the playing field will be more level. We get a bigger restrictor – 36 mm instead of 35 mm – which will also help us.

“Changes we’ve made since the Dakar and tested in our national championship have made it a little easier to drive. We’ve got improved traction out of the corners, tighter turn-in and a better ride. We’re better off than we were at the end of this year’s race in terms of seconds per kilometre on gravel.

“In the dunes, we are very happy with the elements we’ve tested. We must remember that in the gravel on the Dakar we were pretty close to the winning cars, so the dunes are still an area where we have to improve.

“Although we’re proud of what we achieved in Dakar 2012, we’ve got to do better in 2013 and that’s a big challenge. There are a lot of good teams we have to beat and the competition is very strong.”

DUNES: STILL A BIG CHALLENGE

Hilux takes on Dakar Rally T

he 34th racing of the Dakar Rally in January 2013 will once again feature a number of intrepid South Africans and, notably, uniquely South African vehicles. These include two Toyota Hilux V8 double cab pick-ups designed and built for the Dakar by Kyalami-based Hallspeed for Toyota Motorsport and backed by Toyota, Imperial Toyota, Duxbury Netgear, SAA, Innovation Group and Toyota Financial Services.

The two Toyotas will be crewed by 2009 Dakar winners Giniel de Villiers and German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz, and 2012 SA off road champions Duncan Vos and Rob Howie, the same team that finished a remarkable third and 10th respectively in the 2012 Dakar Rally in South America at Toyota’s first attempt at the world’s longest and toughest motor race.

The racing Hilux pick-ups represent the best of South African technological and engineering expertise and are the result of years of development and practical experience in the South African off road championship, con-

sidered one of the strongest national championships in the world.

They are based on the production version and utilise standard components wherever possible. Due to the nature of the Dakar and its uniquely demanding requirements they are modified to cope with the extreme conditions encountered in the 9 000 kilometre 15day race through Peru, Argentina and Chile.

Apart from the Group N engine, which is Toyota’s latest technology production 5,0-litre all-aluminium V8 fitted with a 36 mm air restrictor to meet Dakar regulations and a racing six-speed sequential gearbox from SADEV, built to Toyota Motorsport’s specifications, almost all the other components have been built in South Africa.

The engine is a showcase of modern technology and has a four variable cam system with the inlet cams controlled by electric motors and provides extremely accurate control over all rev ranges. Variable inlet cam length provides better and wider torque curve. The engine is fed by an electric throttle.

The Dakar Hilux features a Land Cruiser based rear-mounted radiator. The braking

The engine is a showcase of modern technology and has a four variable cam system with the inlet cams controlled by electric motors and provides extremely accurate control over all rev ranges.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

system was upgraded for racing conditions by SA-based Power Brake and has 320 x 32 mm ventilated discs all round and 6-piston callipers front and rear.

The wiring harness was made race-ready

by Toyota Motorsport. Because of the 170 degrees Centigrade under-bonnet temperatures, the highest spec aeronautical cable and heat shielding is used for the engine management harness.

Eight separate sub-harnesses make up the wiring system and in total there were 450 metres of wire and 37 separate electrical connectors. Each harness was designed on a computer and then made by hand.

The safety roll cage was designed and built in-house using chrome-moly tubing. The cage is required for motor racing and not only provides safety but is also an integral part of the structure to increase torsional stiffness. The racing exhaust system, designed in-house, is handmade in the Toyota Motorsport workshop.

The vehicle is left-hand drive to conform to overseas export market requirements.

Ground clearance has been raised to 300 mm and the vehicle conforms to the 1 975 kg weight class with two spare wheels fitted at the back.

Special Rally Raid all-terrain competition tyres are made by Michelin.

The evolution version of the racing Hilux features a number of changes over the version that did so well in South America in January.

Team principal Glyn Hall explains: “The new Hilux is now probably 80% the same as when it finished the Dakar.

“The 5-litre version of Toyota’s latest technology all-aluminium standard production V8 engine develops more torque than this year’s 4,6-litre version. This gives better performance in sand, but surprisingly makes little difference on gravel. The extra 40 kilograms puts us in a higher weight category, but doesn’t seem to hamper performance too much.

“The rules for Dakar 2013 are more in our favour,” added Hall. “In January this year we ran to the 2013 rules, with a standard production engine, while our main competitors didn’t, so they enjoyed a power advantage and

better weight distribution. This time they will be a lot closer to us and the playing field will be more level. We get a bigger restrictor – 36 mm instead of 35 mm – which will also help us.

“Changes we’ve made since the Dakar and tested in our national championship have made it a little easier to drive. We’ve got improved traction out of the corners, tighter turn-in and a better ride. We’re better off than we were at the end of this year’s race in terms of seconds per kilometre on gravel.

“In the dunes, we are very happy with the elements we’ve tested. We must remember that in the gravel on the Dakar we were pretty close to the winning cars, so the dunes are still an area where we have to improve.

“Although we’re proud of what we achieved in Dakar 2012, we’ve got to do better in 2013 and that’s a big challenge. There are a lot of good teams we have to beat and the competition is very strong.”

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

21

AUTO 22 New Honda Brio – fun, comfortable and versatile Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

HANJO STIER Today I bring you news of a very, very important car. Obviously it’s important enough for the manufacturer to launch this new model in our market but more importantly, it slots into our market’s most popular segment, around R120 000. So everyone, please say hello to the new Honda Brio.

Honda wasn’t shy to admit that their new cars are predominantly purchased by mature drivers and students are almost non-existent in their statistics. With price being a big stumbling block, the new Brio is keenly priced at R119 800 to entice first-time buyers into one of 34 dealers nationwide.

Its small proportions and impressive specifications are blatantly aimed at young people but an automatic model (R10 000 extra) caters for commuters and older generations. The little car is built in India and Honda is so adamant to ensure build quality that they’ve sent a Japanese contingent to the plant for observation.

The A and B segments have shown Honda was never your first port of call for a cheap city car but it most certainly should be now with tremendous growth in past years and troduction of the Brio. the booming market around R120 k is filled with small city cars and regurgitated rior goodies like power steering, remote cen- 3.6 m long, 1.68 m wide, 1.5 m tall and has a oldies, both of which the Brio is aimed at. Just tral locking, air-conditioning, a basic trip teeny-tiny turning radius of 4.79 m (automatfor the record, this is an all-new car and not computer, radio/USB/Aux with satellite but- ic: 5m). Both manual and automatic gearboxes some previous attempt with new headlights. tons, four power windows, power mirrors and offer five gears and the 35 L fuel tank is safely tucked away under the rear bench.

Given a clean sheet, Honda shortened the five cup holders.

Powering the Brio is a 1.2 L derivative of A Honda Brio also features tilt-adjustable Jazz platform and added new technology, a new engine, loads of usability, a cheeky de- steering wheel, headlight adjustment, ABS the Jazz in-line four-cylinder petrol engine, sign, plenty of safety equipment plus a good brakes with electronic force distribution, supplying an impressive 65kW (88hp) or helping of efficiency. The so-called “two trian- third brake light, two airbags, seatbelt pre- 109Nm to 100km/h in 12.2 seconds (automatic: gle” design features big wheels, big space, big tensioners, immobiliser, 14-inch steel wheels, 14.7). CO2 emissions are 133 or 150 g/km and consumption hovers around full-size spare wheel and folding rear seats to average quality and an all-glass rear hatch.

This translates into superb visibility and extend luggage capacity from 161 L to 519 L. 6 L/100 km.

We were given free rein on our launch route The car weighs just 916 kg (automatic impressive space, comfort being well served with an amenable suspension setup and inte- +40 kg) and can carry about 420 kg. It’s just so my speedy passenger and I pointed the Brio

BOLAND SOLD

at some Boland back-roads and gave our little motor some carrots. What struck us immediately was the very comfortable suspension and tall gearing which isn’t a problem for the typically rev-happy Honda engine.

Road noise is quite intrusive above 100 km/h and the steering feels rather light and numb, highlighting the Brio’s inner-city credentials. Nonetheless, our stubby little Honda made good progress with two overweight men demanding air-conditioning, reaching its 145 km/h speed-limiter quite quickly.

Low and high-speed handling is also impressive, the Brio will dish up plenty of tyre scrub as an early warning and its brakes performed an emergency stop from 100 km/h well. We both agreed that the Honda offers a modicum of fun so we returned into Cape Town and pre-Lady Gaga traffic madness.

If anything, the little Honda Brio was even more impressive in these monstrous conditions, its light and responsive controls allowing us to zip into gaps and breeze through congesthe in­ tion. Its interior may only be available in beige but almost everyone preferred its lightness to the drabness and volcanic heat retention of black.

The cabin materials aren’t top notch but will easily match its competitors. We didn’t perceive a single rattle on our journey and were glad to learn that Brios come with a 3year/100 000 km warranty and 2year/30 000 km service plan. There is also an optional styling package available for R6 000.

Honda was never your first port of call for a cheap city car but it most certainly should be now. The Brio has the right dimensions, specifications and price tag to warrant a visit to your nearest dealer. I can vouch for its fun value, comfort and versatility.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

Nuwe 2.5 D­4D diesel­ enjin vir Toyota Hilux Die Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body Raiderdubbelkajuit is die jongste model in die reeks wat Toyota se tegnologies gevorderde turbodiesel-enjin met veranderlike tuit-werking (VNT) kry.

Die verrigtingstatistiek is indrukwekkend en kraglewering verhoog van 75 kW na ’n stewige 106 kW, terwyl die wringkrag ’n aansienlike styging van 260 Nm na ’n monstergatige 343 Nm toon.

FOTO: QUICKPIC

Hierdie nuwe kragbron, wat die nuwe neiging vir kleiner enjins volg en van die Fortuner 2.5 oorgedra word, bied baie meer oemf, beter brandstofekonomie en meer verfyning sonder dat dit nodig was om die enjin se verplasingsinhoud te vergroot.

Die verrigtingstatistiek is indrukwekkend en kraglewering verhoog van 75 kW na ’n stewige 106 kW, terwyl die wringkrag ’n aansienlike styging van 260 Nm na ’n monstergatige 343 Nm toon.

Baie van die krediet hiervoor moet voor die deur van die turbo-aanjaer met sy veranderlike tuit gelê word, wat ’n tegnologiese kragtoer soos min is.

Die turbo-aanjaer se turbine-lem is byvoorbeeld oneindig verstelbaar.

Dit maak dit dan moontlik om die lem-hoeke na gelang van die lading op die enjin te vervolmaak.

Nog ’n slim stukkie tegnologie wat tussen-

23

beide tree wanneer die uitlaatgasdruk nog laag is, is dat die lemme heeltemal toemaak, wat die uitlaagasse na ’n nouer gedeelte dwing.

Dit laat die druk wat die kompressor laat werk, outomaties verhoog.

Die hoek van die lemme is teen hoë enjinsnelhede heeltemal oop om die soort druk wat ’n turbo-aanjaer kan beskadig, te verhinder.

Dit moet ook genoem word dat die turbo by baie lae enjinsnelhede reeds begin werk omdat die lemme deur ’n elektriese motor aangedryf word.

Die nuwe enjin is eksklusief aan ’n vyfgang-handratkas gekoppel.

Benewens die enjin-opgradering kry al die Raider-model sowel as die Hilux Xtra Cab SRX nou buite-truspieëls wat elektries platgevou kan word.

Hand verstelde kopligte is nou ook deel van die reeds omvattende lys toerusting vir al die Hilux-modelle.

Die nuwe Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body Raider-dubbelkajuit se voorgestelde kleinhandelprys is R358 000 (BTW ingesluit).

Hierdie model het ’n diensplan van vyf jaar/90 000 km.

24 Road test: BMW’s refined & sporty 125i Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

FRANS LE ROUX If you are shopping for a true executive hatch, there are not many choices around.

As far as I am concerned it’s still a twohorse race.

Audi’s brilliant A3 (new model launched recently) and BMW’s 1-series slog it out with no holds-barred. It is only until next year that a direct third contender will enter the fray in the shape of Merc’s brand new A-class.

Back to my recent test car, BMW’s mild performance option 125i. Adorned in the latest Sport-trim it looks much more appealing and purposeful than the car it replaces.

The 125i uses the same 4-cylinder twinscroll turbocharger you get from the 328i.

Power in this model is rated at 160 kW/310 Nm. This places it amongst fierce hot-hatch contenders like Golf’s GTi and Ford’s new Focus ST. When first laying eyes on the 125i, one immediately realizes that this is not your typical run-of-the-mill hot hatch. The test car was painted in a tangerine orange which was impossible to ignore by fellow road users. Those beautifully shaped 17” black and silver wheels have a certain mini-M5 appeal to them. More signature Beemer looks are the prominent black twin kidney grille and the twin tailpipes at the back.

Seeing that this is my second new 1-series in a few months I welcomed all the extras my previous standard 120d did not have.

Starting with all the red-stitching and inserts scattered around the cabin, the thick leather clad steering wheel has bright red stitching on the inside, which then spills over on the edges of the front seats.

Speaking of seats, they are easily adjustable in every conceivable way, but also very supportive and comfortable. The red theme is taken a step further with the instrument cluster shining red on a black background.

Fitted with BMW’s revised 8-speed automatic gearbox, gear changes went eerily smooth, so smooth that a passenger remarked “Is this thing even changing gear?” When you

The new 125i is the grown­up choice if you want GTi performance with BMW styling and status. select one of the four driving modes it is only in sport and sport+ that you notice the car shifting. In comfort and eco-pro modes all the driver sees is the rev needle moving and down ever so slightly.

According to BMW’s test figures the 125i should blast from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Top speed is a jail-time 245 km/h while a combined fuel usage can be expected of around 7.7 L/100km. Lower figures between 5-6 L/100km are achieved when driving sensible and activating the start/stop system.

On my test route I chose to use Dutoitskloof Pass to test the 125i’s road manners. This BMW is like all others with the engine in the front while drive is sent to the rear wheels.

Thanks to this system the BMW feels planted and it helps to inspire confidence.

Over steer is a regular occurrence when pushing on but easily controlled with precise steering inputs. I felt some body roll close to the limit, but otherwise I was rather impressed by the 125i’s handling characteristics.

In Sport+ mode the driver needs to be more vigilant, especially when cornering at speed.

This mode lets the back step out ever so slightly and is bound to get the blood pumping.

Rivals in this category, or price bracket, include Audi’s A3 2.0T FSi at R362 000 and VW Golf’s GTi Edition 35 at R389 000.

The Beemer slots in nicely at R385 600 for the 8 speed auto. These three cars have almost

PHOTO: FRANS LE ROUX

identical performance and all use the same layout of a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo, but still they are worlds apart in design, driveability and desirability.

The 125i then should appeal to the youthful driver with a split personality.

The car itself will feel at ease when stopped at a traffic light with a VW Golf GTi ready to race in the next lane. But even more so, it offers understated quality and luxury which will fit in perfectly at a Camps Bay hotel.

All new BMW’s sold in South Africa include a 5 year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract. This comprehensive warranty is what BMW rely on when attracting new customers.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

Road test: BMW’s refined & sporty 125i

25

FRANS LE ROUX If you are shopping for a true executive hatch, there are not many choices around.

As far as I am concerned it’s still a twohorse race.

Audi’s brilliant A3 (new model launched recently) and BMW’s 1-series slog it out with no holds-barred. It is only until next year that a direct third contender will enter the fray in the shape of Merc’s brand new A-class.

Back to my recent test car, BMW’s mild performance option 125i. Adorned in the latest Sport-trim it looks much more appealing and purposeful than the car it replaces.

The 125i uses the same 4-cylinder twinscroll turbocharger you get from the 328i.

Power in this model is rated at 160 kW/310 Nm. This places it amongst fierce hot-hatch contenders like Golf’s GTi and Ford’s new Focus ST. When first laying eyes on the 125i, one immediately realizes that this is not your typical run-of-the-mill hot hatch. The test car was painted in a tangerine orange which was impossible to ignore by fellow road users. Those beautifully shaped 17” black and silver wheels have a certain mini-M5 appeal to them. More signature Beemer looks are the prominent black twin kidney grille and the twin tailpipes at the back.

Seeing that this is my second new 1-series in a few months I welcomed all the extras my previous standard 120d did not have.

Starting with all the red-stitching and inserts scattered around the cabin, the thick leather clad steering wheel has bright red stitching on the inside, which then spills over on the edges of the front seats.

Speaking of seats, they are easily adjustable in every conceivable way, but also very supportive and comfortable. The red theme is taken a step further with the instrument cluster shining red on a black background.

Fitted with BMW’s revised 8-speed automatic gearbox, gear changes went eerily smooth, so smooth that a passenger remarked “Is this thing even changing gear?” When you

The new 125i is the grown­up choice if you want GTi performance with BMW styling and status. select one of the four driving modes it is only in sport and sport+ that you notice the car shifting. In comfort and eco-pro modes all the driver sees is the rev needle moving and down ever so slightly.

According to BMW’s test figures the 125i should blast from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Top speed is a jail-time 245 km/h while a combined fuel usage can be expected of around 7.7 L/100km. Lower figures between 5-6 L/100km are achieved when driving sensible and activating the start/stop system.

On my test route I chose to use Dutoitskloof Pass to test the 125i’s road manners. This BMW is like all others with the engine in the front while drive is sent to the rear wheels.

Thanks to this system the BMW feels planted and it helps to inspire confidence.

Over steer is a regular occurrence when pushing on but easily controlled with precise steering inputs. I felt some body roll close to the limit, but otherwise I was rather impressed by the 125i’s handling characteristics.

In Sport+ mode the driver needs to be more vigilant, especially when cornering at speed.

This mode lets the back step out ever so slightly and is bound to get the blood pumping.

Rivals in this category, or price bracket, include Audi’s A3 2.0T FSi at R362 000 and VW Golf’s GTi Edition 35 at R389 000.

The Beemer slots in nicely at R385 600 for the 8 speed auto. These three cars have almost

PHOTO: FRANS LE ROUX

identical performance and all use the same layout of a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo, but still they are worlds apart in design, driveability and desirability.

The 125i then should appeal to the youthful driver with a split personality.

The car itself will feel at ease when stopped at a traffic light with a VW Golf GTi ready to race in the next lane. But even more so, it offers understated quality and luxury which will fit in perfectly at a Camps Bay hotel.

All new BMW’s sold in South Africa include a 5 year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract. This comprehensive warranty is what BMW rely on when attracting new customers.

20

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

New Honda Brio – fun, comfortable and versatile HANJO STIER Today I bring you news of a very, very important car. Obviously it’s important enough for the manufacturer to launch this new model in our market but more importantly, it slots into our market’s most popular segment, around R120 000. So everyone, please say hello to the new Honda Brio.

Honda wasn’t shy to admit that their new cars are predominantly purchased by mature drivers and students are almost non-existent in their statistics. With price being a big stumbling block, the new Brio is keenly priced at R119 800 to entice first-time buyers into one of 34 dealers nationwide.

Its small proportions and impressive specifications are blatantly aimed at young people but an automatic model (R10 000 extra) caters for commuters and older generations. The little car is built in India and Honda is so adamant to ensure build quality that they’ve sent a Japanese contingent to the plant for observation.

The A and B segments have shown Honda was never your first port of call for a cheap city car but it most certainly should be now with tremendous growth in past years and troduction of the Brio. the booming market around R120 k is filled with small city cars and regurgitated rior goodies like power steering, remote cen- 3.6 m long, 1.68 m wide, 1.5 m tall and has a oldies, both of which the Brio is aimed at. Just tral locking, air-conditioning, a basic trip teeny-tiny turning radius of 4.79 m (automatfor the record, this is an all-new car and not computer, radio/USB/Aux with satellite but- ic: 5m). Both manual and automatic gearboxes some previous attempt with new headlights. tons, four power windows, power mirrors and offer five gears and the 35 L fuel tank is safely tucked away under the rear bench.

Given a clean sheet, Honda shortened the five cup holders.

Powering the Brio is a 1.2 L derivative of A Honda Brio also features tilt-adjustable Jazz platform and added new technology, a new engine, loads of usability, a cheeky de- steering wheel, headlight adjustment, ABS the Jazz in-line four-cylinder petrol engine, sign, plenty of safety equipment plus a good brakes with electronic force distribution, supplying an impressive 65kW (88hp) or helping of efficiency. The so-called “two trian- third brake light, two airbags, seatbelt pre- 109Nm to 100km/h in 12.2 seconds (automatic: gle” design features big wheels, big space, big tensioners, immobiliser, 14-inch steel wheels, 14.7). CO2 emissions are 133 or 150 g/km and consumption hovers around full-size spare wheel and folding rear seats to average quality and an all-glass rear hatch.

This translates into superb visibility and extend luggage capacity from 161 L to 519 L. 6 L/100 km.

We were given free rein on our launch route The car weighs just 916 kg (automatic impressive space, comfort being well served with an amenable suspension setup and inte- +40 kg) and can carry about 420 kg. It’s just so my speedy passenger and I pointed the Brio

21

at some Boland back-roads and gave our little motor some carrots. What struck us immediately was the very comfortable suspension and tall gearing which isn’t a problem for the typically rev-happy Honda engine.

Road noise is quite intrusive above 100 km/h and the steering feels rather light and numb, highlighting the Brio’s inner-city credentials. Nonetheless, our stubby little Honda made good progress with two overweight men demanding air-conditioning, reaching its 145 km/h speed-limiter quite quickly.

Low and high-speed handling is also impressive, the Brio will dish up plenty of tyre scrub as an early warning and its brakes performed an emergency stop from 100 km/h well. We both agreed that the Honda offers a modicum of fun so we returned into Cape Town and pre-Lady Gaga traffic madness.

If anything, the little Honda Brio was even more impressive in these monstrous conditions, its light and responsive controls allowing us to zip into gaps and breeze through congesthe in­ tion. Its interior may only be available in beige but almost everyone preferred its lightness to the drabness and volcanic heat retention of black.

The cabin materials aren’t top notch but will easily match its competitors. We didn’t perceive a single rattle on our journey and were glad to learn that Brios come with a 3year/100 000 km warranty and 2year/30 000 km service plan. There is also an optional styling package available for R6 000.

Honda was never your first port of call for a cheap city car but it most certainly should be now. The Brio has the right dimensions, specifications and price tag to warrant a visit to your nearest dealer. I can vouch for its fun value, comfort and versatility.

22

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

Nuwe 2.5 D­4D diesel­ enjin vir Toyota Hilux Die Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body Raiderdubbelkajuit is die jongste model in die reeks wat Toyota se tegnologies gevorderde turbodiesel-enjin met veranderlike tuit-werking (VNT) kry.

Die verrigtingstatistiek is indrukwekkend en kraglewering verhoog van 75 kW na ’n stewige 106 kW, terwyl die wringkrag ’n aansienlike styging van 260 Nm na ’n monstergatige 343 Nm toon.

FOTO: QUICKPIC

Hierdie nuwe kragbron, wat die nuwe neiging vir kleiner enjins volg en van die Fortuner 2.5 oorgedra word, bied baie meer oemf, beter brandstofekonomie en meer verfyning sonder dat dit nodig was om die enjin se verplasingsinhoud te vergroot.

Die verrigtingstatistiek is indrukwekkend en kraglewering verhoog van 75 kW na ’n stewige 106 kW, terwyl die wringkrag ’n aansienlike styging van 260 Nm na ’n monstergatige 343 Nm toon.

Baie van die krediet hiervoor moet voor die deur van die turbo-aanjaer met sy veranderlike tuit gelê word, wat ’n tegnologiese kragtoer soos min is.

Die turbo-aanjaer se turbine-lem is byvoorbeeld oneindig verstelbaar.

Dit maak dit dan moontlik om die lem-hoeke na gelang van die lading op die enjin te vervolmaak.

Nog ’n slim stukkie tegnologie wat tussen-

beide tree wanneer die uitlaatgasdruk nog laag is, is dat die lemme heeltemal toemaak, wat die uitlaagasse na ’n nouer gedeelte dwing.

Dit laat die druk wat die kompressor laat werk, outomaties verhoog.

Die hoek van die lemme is teen hoë enjinsnelhede heeltemal oop om die soort druk wat ’n turbo-aanjaer kan beskadig, te verhinder.

Dit moet ook genoem word dat die turbo by baie lae enjinsnelhede reeds begin werk omdat die lemme deur ’n elektriese motor aangedryf word.

Die nuwe enjin is eksklusief aan ’n vyfgang-handratkas gekoppel.

Benewens die enjin-opgradering kry al die Raider-model sowel as die Hilux Xtra Cab SRX nou buite-truspieëls wat elektries platgevou kan word.

Hand verstelde kopligte is nou ook deel van die reeds omvattende lys toerusting vir al die Hilux-modelle.

Die nuwe Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body Raider-dubbelkajuit se voorgestelde kleinhandelprys is R358 000 (BTW ingesluit).

Hierdie model het ’n diensplan van vyf jaar/90 000 km.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

20 Desember, 2012

Hyundai i20 Motion offers full range of features One of the most popular 5-door hatchback car ranges in South Africa now offers even more for buyers in this segment of the local market, thanks to the addition of a new, well equipped entry-level i20 by Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The new Hyundai i20 1.2 Motion will extend the range to four derivatives when it takes its place next to the recently launched Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid and the present range-topper, the i20 1.4 Glide.

Although the newcomer in the i20 range will create a new entry-level derivative in the range, this solid front wheel driven hatchback boasts a full features list, offering exceptional value for money. Apart from the smaller 4-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox, there is not much that sets the new i20 Motion apart from its 1.4 siblings.

Hyundai’s popular i20 supermini – intended to appeal to a new, younger group of car buyers – was launched in August with a new appearance after it was revised and refreshed both inside and out. The new i20 1.2 Motion now joins the i20 1.4 Fluid, which is available with a choice between a 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox; and the i20 1.4 Glide with its 6-speed manual gearbox.

“After the launch of the refreshed i20 earlier in 2012, it was a logical step to see how we can expand the range and to offer an entry-level derivative with a good specification level, but at a price that would appeal to many people out there who have shown an interest in one of Hyundai’s best-sellers,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“The i20 is a solid, well-designed and spacious hatchback that offers good fuel economy, a class-leading warranty, roadside assistance and a service plan. If you throw in the many features of the i20 1.2 Motion, it is an option that cannot be ignored.”

Hyundai’s new i20 Motion is equipped with a 1,2-litre, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft

23

petrol engine that delivers 64 kW (similar to front passenger’s windows are opened and 000 km warranty and roadside assistance. some competitors’ 1,4-litre engines) at 6 000 closed at the touch of a button, and the sound Part of the standard i20 package is also a 2 r/min. and a peak torque figure of 120 Nm at system integrates with an iPod or iPhone with year/30 000 km service plan and 5 years/160 4 000 r/min. The i20 Fluid and Glide deriva- a connection cable that is standard equip- 000 km perforation warranty – delivering a tives are equipped with Hyundai’s 73 kW 1,4- ment. An AUX cable or USB memory stick can motoring package with outstanding value to buyers in this popular segment of the local also be used to play music. litre petrol engine.

As with all other passenger models from Hy- market. Service intervals are 15 000 km apart.

Exterior changes that distinguish the MoThe recommended retail price of the Hytion from its Fluid and Glide partners include undai Automotive South Africa, the new i20 black door handles and exterior rearview mir- 1.2 Motion comes standard with a 5 year/150 undai i20 1.2 Motion is R144 900. ror housings, 14inch steel rims with attractive silver wheel covers, and a side indicator light fitted to the front side panels in stead of being integrated into the rearview mirror housings as with the Fluid and Glide derivatives.

On the extensive features list of the Motion one will find power-assisted steering; tilt and telescopic adjustment of the three-spoke steering wheel; remote audio control buttons on the steering wheel for the radio/CD/MP3 sound system; and an airconditioner with an anti-bacterial pollen filter.

An on-board trip computer calculates average and instant fuel consumption, and displays distance to empty tank, driving time and a trip meter.

Apart from the smaller 4­cylinder 1.2­litre petrol engine and 5­speed manual gearbox, there is not much that sets the The driver’s and new i20 Motion apart from its 1.4 siblings.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC