17 OKTOBER/18 OKTOBER
PAARL: GRACIOUS AND MODERN LIVING IN HISTORICAL HOMESTEAD
Heritage site Nooitgedacht for sale A landmark home on Paarl’s historic Main Road has come onto the market through Pam Golding Properties. Nooitgedacht traces its history back to the early 1700s, but has been extensively and sensitively renovated for modern living. The homestead occupies a spacious erf of over 3 700 m², and is located in the very heart of the historic town centre, on the corner of Church Square. The property is priced at R9,95 million. PGP agents Lynette Schoeman and Ilona du Toit say the property was originally part of the farm Nooitgedacht, one of the early farms granted in the Paarl area more than 300 years ago. The section currently for sale was created by subdivision in 1983, and its homestead was declared a national monument two years later. This was later converted to provincial heritage status under the SA Heritage Resources Agency. The homestead consists of two distinct portions – one late Georgian in style, dating back to around 1850, and the other an extension added some 30 years later, with Victorian design elements. The two were cleverly combined to create a striking double-storey home with several bay windows as well as shuttered sash windows and a shady front verandah. The magnificent teak double entrance doors are topped by a distinctive fanlight, while another reminder of the home’s long history can be found in the side archway, originally an entrance for visitors on horseback, but since enclosed with wrought iron and glass. “The home boasts elegant reception areas including a formal dining room and lounge,” say the
Nooitgedacht on Main Road, Paarl agents. “There are seven en suite bedrooms, two of them sharing an inter-leading bathroom. Further entertainment spaces are created by an indoor braai room and the covered patio overlooking the sunny pool area. The lovely farm-style kitchen is finished in granite and
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
wood, and has a separate scullery. The home has an alarm system and automated gates, with off-street parking for eight vehicles.” PGP’s area manager for Paarl, Surina du Toit, says the location of the home is superb. “This is the very heart of Paarl’s town centre,
often referred to as the ‘Golden Mile’,” she says. “The streets are shaded by ancient oak trees, and the numerous heritage sites in the area confirm its historical significance. It is the ideal location for gracious family living, and would also make a perfect site for a corpo-
rate headquarters or a guesthouse, subject to the necessary council approvals.” To view the home, or for more information, call PGP agents Lynette Schoeman on 082 553 3045 and Ilona du Toit on 082 853 5983, or contact their office on 021 871 1480 or paarl@pamgolding.co.za.
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Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
HELDERBERG
Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
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Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
HELDERBERG
Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
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Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
HELDERBERG
Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
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Districtmail 17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
STELLENBOSCH
Eikestadnuus 17 Oktober, 2013
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Eikestadnuus 17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
Eikestadnuus
STELLENBOSCH
17 Oktober, 2013
Buyers must move fast in seller’s market much over the last year is buyer affordability. Higher inflation rates and modest inNot that long ago there were close to 1 000 creases in income mean that most consumproperties for sale in Somerset West alone. ers don’t have more disposable income. Fortunately, interest This meant that buyers rates have not inwere spoilt for choice and creased, but banks err could make lower offers on the side of caution that pressured sellers and usually qualify a would accept. purchaser on higher inIn some price ranges terest rates in anticipathis has definitely tion of increases in the changed over the past few future. months. The fact that buyer As buyers will know, if affordability has not inyou’re looking for a standcreased much is the ard family home under reason that growth in R1,5 million in Somerset property values has West you won’t have a lot been limited In general to choose from. there has been a 7–10% And when you find a increase in property property that meets your values over the past requirements in this price year, but there are range you had better move some exceptions. fast. The shortage of listThere is very strong de- Talking Property by Steve Caraings in these lower mand for homes at the mo- doc-Davies, principal of Harprice ranges has had a ment, and you can be cer- courts Platinum positive impact on the tain that, if you think the property is good value, so do a lot of other plot-and-plan market. Lower vacant plot prices mean that buybuyers too. The property market, like all markets, ers can see value in purchasing a plot and works on supply and demand. If demand building a home to suit their budget. There are some excellent plot-and-plan is weak and supply is great, then prices drop. If demand is strong and there is short options in some of the gated estates. In supply, then prices increase. This is good some cases these products are packaged news for property sellers in these price and streamlined to make them more attracranges as it means, provided your property tive to purchasers. The strong message to buyers is that if is well marketed, you should obtain maxiyou find a property that you like, don’t mum market price. There is a caution to sellers not to get waste too much time deliberating. Make greedy though. Whilst buyers will pay the your offer – and make sure it’s a good offer. maximum market value if they have to, Too often I’ve seen buyers lose out on a purthey won’t overpay. So keep your listing chase because they’ve started with a weak price realistic and attract buyers who will offer. Make your decision and move swiftnow pay full market value given the lower ly. While pricing is fair and finance is available it’s a great time to buy. stock levels. E-mail your real estate question to steUnfortunately, whilst property demand is strengthening, what hasn’t improved ve.cd@harcourts.co.za.
How the wheel turns ...
Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland
SOLD bied die grootste en maklikste toegang tot die mark vir eiendomkopers en -verkopers in die Boland.
021 841 4285
021 887 2840
Chamber offers workshop on positive selling skills The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry is holding a workshop on effective sales and customer service on 24 October from 09:00–16:30 at the Cape Chamber House, 19 Louis Gradner Street, Foreshore, Cape Town. Effective sales and customer training is crucial for any business whether you are selling a product or rendering a service. Before going out to call on customers, or dealing with them over the counter, the salesperson should have an understanding of accepted sales techniques like relationship selling and consultative or value-added selling. They should also be familiar with the selling soft skill on how to move a sale along and how to wrap up a deal.
The workshop includes an introduction to sales, communication skills in sales, understanding customer needs and expectations, and recognising buying signals. The speaker is Lionel Bourgeois who launched VETTA Communication some 12 years ago to coach, mentor and train today’s complex workforce. His mission is to offer all South Africans a clearer understanding of their positions, the need for growth and hope for a bright future. Cost: R855 for members; R1 112 for nonmembers. Contact event organiser Dean Le Grange on 021 402 4342 or e-mail dean@capechamber.co.za
021 870 4600
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Eikestadnuus 17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
PAARL/WELLINGTON
Paarl Post
17 Oktober, 2013
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Paarl Post
17 Oktober, 2013
SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
Paarl Post
PAARL/WELLINGTON
17 Oktober, 2013
La Chanelle for sale La Chanelle is a beautiful farm nestled on the Berg River in the idyllic Franschhoek Valley. The 26 ha farm is situated on the R45, Paarl Road, 20 km from Paarl and Stellenbosch and under 50 km from the City of Cape Town. This rural estate offers much and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in both a sought after property and agricultural land, in one of the world’s most desirable country settings. La Chanelle has panoramic views of the river, mountains and farm lands, and is surrounded by some of
the top wine estates in the country, including Bellingham and L’Ormarins. The farm boasts a three-bedroom homestead with three bathrooms (two en suite), three reception rooms and a large double volume office, kitchen and scullery and wine cellar. The entertainment area and patio lead out to a pool. There are four labourer cottages. In addition, the property also has a three-bedroom house (with two bathrooms), a two-bedroom house (one bathroom), a one-bedroom cottage and three flats, each with one bedroom. These units are let.
La Chanelle is listed for 17 ha irrigation on the Berg River Water Scheme. Various cultivars are established in the vineyards and the farm also produces lemons, pears and buffalo grass. It also provides an excellent monthly income from permanent tenants in houses and flats. The liquor licence on the farm, where a restaurant was previously operated for 10 years, is currently not being utilised. Viewings strictly by appointment only. Contact BidEasy Auctions to view this property: Owen Du Plessis, 082 902 5472 or owen@bideasy.co.za
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The swimming pool and a view of the orchards and surrounding mountains at La Chanelle.
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Paarl Post
SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND
17 Oktober, 2013
Amnesty could be a Catch 22 for homebuyers Clearly, there are at least two ways of looking at the credit amnesty that has just been approved by Cabinet, says Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group. Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, he notes: “The amnesty provides for a once-off removal of all adverse information from consumers’ credit bureaux records, irrespective of value and even if the debt has not been paid – effectively giving everyone a ‘clean slate’. In addition,
it provides for future paid-up debts and judgments to be removed from consumer credit records on an ongoing basis. “And from the point of view of those consumers who have found themselves unable to obtain new credit because they are ‘blacklisted’ or have old ‘black marks’ on their credit records, this must obviously sound like really great idea. It must be especially appealing to those who are keen to buy their first home but have been refused a home loan because relatively minor credit trans-
gressions, many of them long since rectified, are still reflected in their credit histories.” Although no start date for the amnesty has been announced yet, the objective, according to a Cabinet statement, is to “address the issue ofaccesstocreditbyconsumerswho may have paid their debts in full and are in a position to afford credit but whose access is currently impeded by negative credit information on their record”. However, says Everitt, consumers do need to be aware that the banks and other cred-
it providers have an entirely different view and have vigorously resisted the amnesty. Apart from worries about consumers seeing the amnesty as a debt pardon, they say it will make it much more difficult for them to assess risk when considering new credit applications. “And because they will have no way of knowing who has been good at managing credit in the past, and who has not, they say, they may even have to raise the price of credit – that is, the interest rates they charge – to cover their additional
risk.” This would of course make it more difficult to qualify for home loans, and shut many potential buyers out of the market again, irrespective of the credit amnesty, because they don’t have sufficient disposable income, he says “In other words, the amnesty could well end up as a Catch 22 situation, with only one way out for prospective homebuyers: Pay down debts in order to increase disposable income and then save up a substantial deposit before applying for a home loan.”
Castrol team Toyota wins SA off-road championship QUICKPIC
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uncan Vos and Rob Howie (Castrol Team Toyota Hilux) won the Ford Dealer 400, penultimate round of the Donaldson Cross Country Car Racing Championship, at Thaba Nchu in the Free State on Saturday Team-mates Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy finished fourth and scored enough points to clinch the 2013 championship for production vehicles with a round remaining. Vos and Howie’s victory, their first this season, extended a winning Castrol Team Toyota streak to five, with Taylor and Murphy having won the other four on their way to their first and Toyota’s 16th championship. Taylor, who finished second in last year’s championship, and Murphy, who only joined Toyota Motorsport this year for his first season as a national championship co-driver, looked headed for their fifth successive win after taking the honours in Friday’s qualifying race. They lost their lead towards the end of the first of the two 170 km loops that made up Saturday’s race after they thought they’d strayed from the route and doubled back, only to find they had been correct in the first place. Then they picked up a puncture in the dust of the vehicles that
Duncan Vos and Rob Howie, in a Team Castrol Toyota Hilux, took the win on the Ford Dealer 400, the penultimate round of the Donaldson Cross Country Championship. POTO: QUICKPIC passed them, dropping them back to sixth place at the halfway compulsory service stop at Thaba Nchu. They put in an impressive charge in the second loop, recording the fastest time and closing to within two seconds of third-placed Lance Woolridge and Ward Huxtable. “Dennis and I knew we had a good chance of wrapping up the championship today and we’re ecstatic about pulling it off with a race still to go,” said Taylor, who has now added cross country racing to the
numerous single seater and production car circuit racing national titles he has accumulated in his career. “We had to push really hard after our problems in the first half of the race and it’s a big relief to have done enough to win our first title. Dennis and I have worked well together, the Hilux has been awesome all season and the back-up from the technical crew has been the best.” It was a dominant performance by Toyota on a traditionally tight and
technical event that was run in hot, dry and dusty conditions with veld fires in an area that hasn’t seen rain since January. Team principal Glyn Hall was full of praise for both of his crews. “This is a brilliant result for the entire team,” he said. “Everyone did a great job and we again proved that the Hilux is the vehicle to beat. Congratulations to Anthony and Dennis on their championship and well done to Duncan and Rob, who fully deserved their win today. A big
thank-you also to the Toyota privateers, who again contributed to our winning the manufacturers’ championship.” Outgoing champions Vos and Howie were delighted with their win after a trouble-free race. “We had a perfect run today. No problems with the Hilux and Rob was faultless with finding the correct route,” said Vos. “Cross country racing is so competitive that if you want to win you can’t afford to make any mistakes or even have a puncture. “Today we did what we had to do. Congratulations to Anthony and Dennis – they thoroughly deserved their championship victory.” In addition to Vos and Howie winning the premier class SP, Toyota privateers finished first and second in both classes D and E. Brothers Johan and Werner Horn (Toyota Land Cruiser) won class D ahead of Jason Venter and Vincent van Alleman (Toyota Hilux) while Douglas Fear and Kurt de Villiers (Toyota Hilux) won class E ahead of Johan Pretorius and Gesina Dauth (Toyota Hilux). Toyota also won the manufacturers’ team award for the event and scored enough points in the overall manufacturers’ championship to ensure its sixth successive title and seventh in the 12 years of the championship. The final round of the championship is the Atlas Copco 400 in Westonaria on November 22 and 23.
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SOLD AUTO BOLAND
Donderdag
17 Oktober, 2013
Volkswagen team eager to tackle the Polokwane challenge MOTORPRESS Following their podium finish in the Western Cape, courtesy of Hergen Fekken and Pierre Arries, and the international exploits of Henk Lategan and Barry White in Austria and Croatia, the Volkswagen Sasolracing team are ready for the penultimate rally of the 2013 season. The Polokwane Motor Rally will cover 180 km of stage distance over two days, starting on 18 October, with com- Jurgen Fekken struggles with grip while racing at the recent PHOTO: DAVE LEDBITTER petitors tackling the Cape Town rally. first of 11 stages starting at noon – after participating in a gen Sasolracing Polo on the national scoreparade to the mayor’s office where the cere- board, have been showing their rally style this season and have a number of internamonial start ramp will be located. Fekken and Arries are in a confident tional events under their belts as well. mood following the event in the Cape. A They return to competition in South Africa strong showing by the pair sees them ready at this event for competition on gravel to continue that performance in Limpopo where the European rallies have taken as they search for more points in the na- place on a tar surface. Gugu Zulu and Carl Peskin will use the tional rally championship. Not to be outdone, their team-mates Enzo Polokwane event to bolster their S2000 Kuun and Douglas Judd will be aiming to Challenge defence. They are currently in make a good showing at this event. Kuun second place in the 2013 championship but and Judd will want to finish their 2013 sea- need just 12 points to beat their rivals. With son on a high note and will be working one title in this category to their name, harder than ever at the final two events. they will be motivated to add a second to Lategan and White, the leading Volkswa- the list.
Further to the extra power, the local BRZ range is now expanding with the addition of the BRZ 2.0 Sportshift 6-speed automatic derivative. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
Subaru BRZ gains momentum in SA QUICKPIC The Subaru BRZ – the brand’s newest model and also the only one available with rearwheel drive – is making increasingly important waves in South Africa where its more dedicated following has taken a liking to the pure sports car connotations afforded by the Subaru badge. Ashley Lazarus, Subaru Southern Africa Marketing Manager, says: “The BRZ is appealing – as it should – to true sports car enthusiasts and not least to those who know what the Subaru badge stands for in South Africa. The local motoring media seem to realise this as well, as they named the Subaru BRZ 2.0 manual a semi-finalist in the running to next year’s prestigious WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year competition. It is a true delight that our BRZ is part of this group of vehicles, and proof of its worthiness as one of the best vehicles in its class. “What we are also very proud of is the fact that we are now able to confirm that the standard performance exhaust fitted to the BRZ has been proven to deliver an increase in engine
output by 7 kW – a meaningful gain which further sets the BRZ apart, not only on the aural front whereby the normally-aspirated Boxer® engine can be heard in all its glory, but also in the performance stakes where seconds count.” Further to the extra power, the local BRZ range is now expanding with the addition of the BRZ 2.0 Sportshift 6-speed automatic derivative. Following the already high specification level of the six-speed manual derivative, the BRZ automatic gains paddle shifters as an added bonus, with an overall price premium of just R10 000. “The new BRZ automatic allows anyone who has a yearning to own this iconic sports car the opportunity to do so, whether they prefer manual or automatic gearboxes. Its exclusivity in the South African market adds further appeal as a very attractive option in the compact sports car stakes, and the addition of the automatic ‘box has not removed any of the BRZ’s unique character or driving fun, making it a viable alternative to the manual.” Both Subaru BRZ models continue to feature a 2.0 F normally-aspirated four-cylinder Boxer® petrol engine which produces 154 kW and 205 Nm, the six gears of either model delivering the force to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. Standard equipment includes the performance exhaust, a rear spoiler, 17inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, keyless access and starting, dual-zone climate control, seven airbags and five-mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control). Retail pricing is as follows, including a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a generous 5-year/105 000 km maintenance plan: Subaru BRZ 2.0 6MT R389 900 Subaru BRZ 2.0 Sportshift 6AT R399 900
BOLAND SOLD
AUTO
Donderdag
17 Oktober, 2013
Road test: Renault Megane RS RB8
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FRANS LE ROUX The prospect of testing any fast car, is always a welcome one. But when that car is the latest offering from the crazy French at Renault’s RS-division, you know you are in for a real treat. The limit pushing Megane RS Red Bull edition is a very special machine. Renault has only made 500 specimens worldwide, shipping 50 units to fans here in South Africa. This is the second consecutive year that Renault has made a whiteknuckled fire breathing Megane RS limited edition, to honour their success in Formula 1, and show their gratitude towards their sponsor, Red Bull Racing. To further explain where this car comes from, the previous RS Trophy 265 broke the front wheel drive record at the prestigious Nürburgring in Germany. This car has understandably provided a solid base to work from. Let’s look at what’s under the Megane’s bonnet. The same 2.0 4-cylinder turbo engine powering the other RS-models, is used here. Power is rated at a 195 kw/360 Nm, which, if you consider the rivals, is more than enough. Acceleration is savage to say the least. Once sport mode has been selected you can launch the Megane from 0–100 kph in 6 seconds flat. It eventually runs out of puff at 250 kp/h. On the inside, more surprises and improvements awaits the driver. Recaro sportseats offer superb body hugging comfort, while adding to the RS’s race-appeal. The solid look and feel of the interior, dashboard and all switchgear is a big leap forward. The previous generation Megane had a truly dull interior. Carbon fibre is used throughout the cabin, from inserts on the dash to carbon look-alike fabric on the door panels. Dark black plastics blend well with the odd gloss inserts used around the air vents. A thick leather-clad steering wheel feels good when your fingers are wrapped around it. The most masculine piece is undoubtedly the aluminium gear lever. It’s cold when you first touch it, but you quickly get used to slamming it into your preferred gear. Renault’s new R-Link infotainment system with built in navigation and touchscreen interface works a charm. Loads of data can be selected and saved on your USB, which you can show your friends at the next braai. By far the most impressive thing about this Megane is the way it handles. The boffins at the RS-division pushed each scientific boundary
Du Toits Kloof pass, just outside Paarl, is where you want to drive the RS. On a dry road, serious sports cars would have to be at their best to try and keep up. PHOTO: LISE BEYERS until there was no more. After picking up the RS at Paarl Renault on Friday morning, I drove to Rawsonville for a quick work lunch. Although it’s only a 40 km drive, the magnificent Du Toitskloof Pass makes it worthwhile. After the first couple of corners, you quickly realise why this is a record breaking vehicle. Body roll is at a minimum, and the limited slip differential lends a hand when your talent runs out mid corner. Having recently driven the Opel Astra OPC, I have an idea of what exactly a hot hatch should be capable of doing around corners. That is until you start working the six cogs, stomping on the accelerator to make sure you squeeze each available kilowatt out of the RS. The ride is far from harsh, even though the RS rides on 19-inch
wheels. You do, however, feel instantly connected to the tarmac below, especially when pushing on. I pulled over and stopped for a while to wrap my mind around what this car can do. Every time you take it for a drive, your confidence increases. It increases to such a level that you continually test the limits you can get away with. More than once, I went into a corner carrying far too much speed, but somehow cheated physics and gravity. In the RS you can shift down a gear while mid corner, and hammer the accelerator with everything you’ve got and it still just grips and goes. After spending four days and some 800 km behind the wheel, I was completely hooked. Fuel consumption in a hot hatch is never really a talking point. Al-
though when driven sensibly the RS returns respectable figures of around 12 km/F. The best hot hatch is a much debated and fiercely contested topic in South Africa. Big hitters are VW Golf 7 GTi, Ford Focus ST and the OPC. When it comes to power, the Megane takes second spot behind the OPC. It has, however, 10 kw and 30 kw more than the Focus and GTI respectively. The Megane is still by far the best driver’s car. It gets all the power down on the road, and keeps it there the longest to ensure the highest cornering speeds. If it is exclusivity that you’re after, then look no further than the Megane RS. With only 50 of these RB8’s on our roads, your chances of lining up to another one is very scarce. Porsche sells more Caymans
and Aston Martin sells more V8 Vantages. Pricewise, this limited edition is more expensive than the ST and GTi, but cheaper than the OPC. At R429 900 the Megane is certainly not cheap. If you want the same thrills for a little less (R399 900), I suggest you take the RS Cup for a spin. Renault has come a long way with improving your Renault experience. The Megane has a comprehensive warranty which includes 3-year/ 150 000 km and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan. Practicality counts for nothing in this segment, it’s all about looks, feeling, power and satisfaction. If you take all the above mentioned into account, nothing entices all your senses quite like the Megane RS RB8 does.
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SOLD AUTO BOLAND
Donderdag
17 Oktober, 2013
Jaguar gets an upgrade QUICKPIC Prospective Jaguar XF buyers have the opportunity to upgrade to a stylishly moody carbon fibre exterior package at no extra cost – but they’ll have to be quick. That’s because the Limited Edition Carbon Pack will be fitted to only 100 units. It is also available exclusively with the 2.0 F turbopetrol and 3.0 F Supercharged versions of Jaguar’s mid-sized sports saloon and is worth almost R40 000 as fitted to the latter. A series of subtle but effective changes give the elegantly understated XF a slinkier demeanour and it comprises – from whiskers to tail – a striking gloss The Limited Edition Carbon Pack is also available exclusively with the 2.0 F black treatment for the turbopetrol and 3.0 F Supercharged versions of Jaguar’s mid-sized sports mesh-style grille and its sur- saloon. PHOTO: QUICKPIC round, changes which really make the Jaguar ‘growler’ bon fibre or painted to match the a glossy dark grey (wheel diamebadge stand out. Just aft of the car’s bodywork. In addition, 3.0 F ter and tyre size remains unfront wheels are the carbon fibre models are fitted with a rear dif- changed) with a red background power vents – gills which play a fuser – a series of vertical fins to the ‘growler’ centre cap. In a fipractical role in that they extract which manages airflow as it de- nal nod to Jaguar’s British herithot air from the engine bay. Then parts the underside of the car, in- age, a set of Union Jack valve caps there are the carbon fibre mirror creasing rear downforce and are fitted – evidence that being housings, which replace the therefore stability at high speeds cool means not taking yourself too seriously. – in addition to the spoiler. standard, colour-coded units. XF models fitted with the LimitAdding a touch of gravitas to the The trailing edge of the bootlid now wears the most slender of ‘pounce pack’ (as it has been light- ed Edition Carbon Pack purred inspoilers, which can be left in the heartedly nicknamed internally) to Jaguar showrooms nationwide characteristic black weave of car- are alloy rims now refinished in at the beginning of October.
Due for South African release in the first quarter of 2014, the Sonic RS adds performance flavour to the Sonic range, the five-door hatchback featuring a 1.4 F turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet with a 103 kW of power. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
New Sonic RS at JIMS QUICKPIC With just over a week to go until the General Motors South Africa stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) buzzes with media activity, the forthcoming Chevrolet Sonic RS has been announced as one of the stars of the show. Due for South African release in the first quarter of 2014, the Sonic RS adds performance flavour to the Sonic range, the five-door hatchback featuring a 1.4 F turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet with a 103 kW of power. Coupled to uprated suspension, the Sonic RS also features improved handling to match the boosted performance. A number of special detail changes inside and out separate the Sonic RS from its siblings, highlights of which include a sportier exterior look, dark-painted alloy wheels, red
interior detailing and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which makes its South African debut in the Sonic RS. Comments Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon: “The RS badge forms the first level of performanceoriented nomenclature within the model naming hierarchy at Chevrolet, making the Sonic RS a very special car. It will certainly add some interesting flavour to the Sonic product portfolio in South Africa next year.” The RS badge within the global Chevrolet stable stands for a sport iteration of an existing model. Typically with sporty exterior and interior design detailing, the RS model in the range tends to offer unique styling with an uprated powertrain. Chevrolet’s performance flagships always carry the well-known SS or Z badging.