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ADD VALUE:SPRUCING UP CBD

Property market reaps SRA rewards DALEEN FOUCHÉ An attempt to spruce up the local Central Business Districts (CBD) may also have a positive spin-off for the Helderberg property market.

New associates of Keller Williams Realty in Somerset West.

Keller Williams Realty Boland shows exceptional growth Only a month after opening, Keller Williams Realty in the Boland has already shown rapid growth and is now aiming at achieving even greater success.

This trend-setting agency has already recruited 23 agents and secured sole-mandate stock worth more than R70 million since its Boland launch in March.

“We are truly privileged to have this team of quality associates joining us at Keller Williams Realty in Somerset West,” says Wayne Heidmann, regional manager for Keller Williams Cape Town.

Keller Williams Realty in the

Boland is following its national as well as international trend of rapid growth.

It is the biggest real estate agency in North America by agent count and opened its doors for business in Gauteng, South Africa, just more than a year ago. It is the fastest growing region outside North America.

Heidmann says Keller Williams Realty offers its associates unparalleled career growth and lifelong learning opportunities in the real estate industry.

“We know our team will be a great fit and it is our customers

who will truly benefit from them joining us. With our state of the art systems and coaching programmes we strive to grow each one of our agents by achieving their business goals.”

Heidmann says their Keller Williams Realty office at the Habitat Centre, Somerset Mall, is open to all. “Please feel free to join us for a coffee at our new offices and we will assist you with all your real estate needs.”

. Read about the Keller Wil­ liams Millionaire Real Estate Agent Roadshow on page 3.

Building owners in the Strand CBD have agreed to establish a Special Rating Area (SRA) in an attempt to clean, secure and revitalise the business hub of Strand.

Under an SRA, property owners will pay additional rates, which a committee will manage according to a budget that addresses agreedupon needs, such as security, cleansing and marketing.

Daantjie Malan, who is part of the team that heads up the SRA, says the proposed SRA will be presented to City Council in July. If approved, the SRA for Strand CBD will be implemented in September. Malan says other SRA’s in Cape Town, especially in the city centre, have had a positive impact and increased property values.

A similar proposal is being formulated for the Somerset West CBD by the Somerset West CBD Building Owners Forum. This proposal, however, is still in the planning stages.

Sakkie Kotze, team leader of Engel & Völkers, says if the CBD is

made secure, and potential buyers are assured of a safe environment, it will have a positive effect on the local property market.

He says one of the first things that potential buyers ask about a property is how safe and secure the surrounding area is.

Carl Nagel, who manages the residential team at Rose McFall Properties, believes that if an SRA for the Somerset West CBD is approved and successfully implemented, it will add value to property in the CBD. “It will allow our town centre to become more family friendly, even in the evenings, which will bring more feet and ultimately more rand spend. That extra income will justify building, security and infrastructural investment, which will in turn justify rental increases.”

Nagel explains: “It’s not just the CBD that will be positively affected, the entire town will feel the benefit from an upgraded and secure centre.

“Safety and security are paramount to visitors and potential buyers, if we can deliver that on our Main Road then we are moving in the right direction.”

Principal of Remax Helderberg, Lee Siebert agrees that property value will increase if the SRAs are successfully implemented.

READ INSIDE Transparency and disclosure reduce disputes Pg10

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Top real estate minds meet at Lord Charles Keller Williams Realty South Africa hosted the Millionaire Real Estate Agent Roadshow during March with more than 1 060 delegates and agents in attendance.

The roadshow was held at the NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West and featured international real estate expert and best-selling author, Stefan Swanepoel. He gave a bird’s eye view of the technological evolution over the past decades and the astonishing impact of technology on businesses. He mentioned that research indicates people use their cellphone 150 times a day on average. “That presents an amazing opportunity for businesses to communicate with their clients on different platforms whether it is through email or social media.”

Keller Williams South Africa’s chief executive officer, Niël Cronje said: “With the roadshow, we tried to illustrate that technology and a ‘Millionaire Real Estate Agent’ mind-set, will make any real estate agent stand out.”

Marco Coetzer, Keller Williams Advance owner and operating principal, shared several top producer secrets, one of which is the nine ways millionaire agents think, based on the best-selling book, Millionaire Real Estate Agent.

The book was penned by Keller Williams Realty International’s founder, Gary Keller. Coetzer explained that buyers and sellers do not care with which brand a real estate agent is – the agent himself is the biggest brand in real estate. Clients are loyal to the standards that the agent represents.

Johan Gouws, Keller Williams South Africa’s chief operations officer, said: “Our agent count has once again increased beyond expectation due to the roadshow’s success. Keller Williams prides itself on delivering technology systems and education that makes the agent the centre of his business.”

The roadshow was sponsored by Keller Williams Realty South Africa.

Lynn Doty, team leader and coach from Keller Williams Florida in America, has joined Keller Williams Realters in Somerset West. She is seen here with the agency’s regional manager for Cape Town, Wayne Heidmann

Werner Burger, chief executive: Keller Williams Emboss.

Stefan Swanepoel, global real estate strategy advisor and shareholder of Keller Williams South Africa, shared his insight on technology and business.

Cary Sylvester (right) and Carrie McCauslin from Keller Williams Realty International.

The crowd participate in a discussion during the roadshow.

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Transparency and disclosure reduce disputes

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.

By far the greatest numbers of disputes arise between a property seller and purchaser about supposed defects with a property that may or may not have been disclosed.

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

EXPERT OPNION

021 870 4600

Firstly let me point out that the Consumer Protection Act does not cover a normal property sale between homeowner and purchaser.

This Act only covers sales where the seller is a developer or speculator, and the purchaser is a natural person.

That means the “voetstoots” clause applies. This clause basically means, “Buyer beware”.

It puts the responsibility on the purchaser to do thorough investigation on a property before he purchases. Any obligations the purchaser wants to place on the seller to rectify any faults must be stipulated in the Deed of Sale and agreed upon.

What is the role of the Estate Agent? The agent needs to ask the seller if there are any faults on a property that need to be disclosed to a potential purchaser.

These could include structural problems, roof leaks, damp issues, and the like.

An agent would pay special attention to problems that could not be easily seen on inspection by a purchaser.

All these potentially “hidden” defects that a seller is aware of need

to be disclosed to a purchaser before an offer is concluded.

If a seller did not disclose these hidden defects and it can be proved that they were aware of them, then the seller is responsible for the cost of addressing them.

We’ve recently been involved in a dispute where the seller did not disclose problems with their roof.

The purchasers moved in and obtained quotations for repairs only to find that one of the contractors had recently quoted the sellers on the same repairs.

The seller had to cover the repair cost as they deliberately concealed these problems from purchaser and agent.

A seller is not responsible for any defects that may later appear that they were unaware of. These again fall under the “voetstoots” clause.

It would be wise for a purchaser to ask of the listing agent if there are any potentially hidden defects that need to be disclosed. Be specific about those mentioned above and any other concerns you may have.

The agent will need to confirm with the seller that there are no undisclosed defects.

It is a protection for the purchaser, the seller, and the agent if everyone is transparent. Where full disclosure is made the seller has no further obligations for any future issues that arise.

A word of caution to sellers though: When you allow a purchas-

Talking Property with Steve CaradocDavies er to take occupation of your property before transfer you are at risk.

We have seen purchasers holding sellers’ to ransom to rectify problems that were blatantly visible for a purchaser to see and fully disclosed. Purchasers have threatened to hold up transfer until the repairs are made – costs the seller is not liable for.

Where full disclosure is made and all parties are transparent the potential for unpleasant disputes is greatly reduced.

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SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe hoĂŤ-impak keuse vir die bemarking van eiendom in die Boland

Biggest and Best Property Guide in the Boland

BOLAND SOLD

021 841 4285

PAARL/WELLINGTON

021 887 2840

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Credit amnesty misunderstood by consumers The first of April sees new regulations come into place that allow for a “Credit Information Amnesty”. Unfortunately, the complexity of the amnesty has caused wide-spread confusion among consumers, some of whom wrongly believe that it removes their debt entirely.

This is according to Kevin Hurwitz, Chief Executive Officer at Wonga.com SA, who says that it is essential that consumers under-

stand the new regulations, as well as how they will potentially affect them. Credit bureaus in South Africa will have two months to remove any adverse classification of consumer behaviour and adverse classification of enforcement action from the records of those who have repaid their debts.

There are two parts to the credit information removal process. The first is a once-off removal of all adverse information; and the second is the ongoing removal of paid-up

judgments, explains Hurwitz.

The types of information that will be removed under the new Amnesty include; adverse credit information (such as negative classifications or terms used to describe consumer behaviour), information relating to paid-up judgments (such as default judgments where the consumer has now settled the debt under the judgment), details relating to disputes lodged by consumers regarding listings on their credit records, as well as adverse credit information in the

payment profile represented by a mark, symbol or sign The types of information/data excluded from the amnesty include notices (such as; sequestrations, administration orders and rehabilitations) and Debt Review Data.

In addition, credit bureaus will also be required to automatically remove any adverse credit information as soon as a consumer has repaid the outstanding debt.

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have to approach the court to have the listing of the judgment removed – now it will be removed automatically.

Hurwitz urges consumers to not rely on the amnesty as an excuse to continue mismanaging their debt.

“If consumers feel that adverse credit information has not been removed from their credit profiles after they have paid their debt, it is important that they contact their respective credit bureaus to ensure that this is done,” he adds.

HYUNDAI’S LOCAL WINNER: TOP-SELLER GETS EVEN BETTER

Facelift keeps ix35 ahead of the rest HANJO STIER This week, for all sorts of great reasons, I ticked a lot of vehicles off my to-drive list. Among these were Italian thoroughbreds and hilariously fast sports cars but most surprising addition is the Hyundai ix35. Yup, that’s right.

Up to this morning I had never set foot in one.

This had nothing to do with the car itself – or not quite. Had it not been so pretty, popular and eagerly awaited, I may have had a chance to drive it when the mid-size SUV first surfaced a few years ago. The ix35 Press fleet was booked out, booked out and then booked out some more every time I tried to test one.

This meant that Hyundai had finally made it; their latest car was so popular that even journalists were getting into fights about them.

My immediate circle of friends was no better and I remember a few agonizing months during which I got quizzed about the car and then quickly had to change the subject.

“Nice weather today...”

By Hyundai’s own admission, the ix35 is a local winner, helping the company to achieve third overall spot in passenger car sales. It’s topselling vehicle in its segment with about a 10% market share. This figure recently started declining steadily, which required a quick refresh to keep the competitors at bay.

Initial supply problems have also been addressed: it is now produced in the Czech Republic to ensure that you (and hopefully, your local motoring journalist too) don’t have to wait for the new SUV. Not that you could tell the difference at a glance, Hyundai was right not to mess with

By Hyundai’s own admission, the ix35 is a local bull’s eye, helping the company to achieve third spot overall in passenger car sales.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC those looks and the changes are very discreet.

The biggest difference lies in new light clusters, wheels and improved specifications; most of these affect only the more expensive models in the range. Three trim levels (Premium, Executive and Elite) are divided among two engines (two-litre pet-

rol or turbo-diesel) and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes.

Both engines and gearboxes have improved efficiency and refinement but we’re told a new 1,7-litre turbodiesel is also in the pipeline and currently zipping around the country for testing. Currently, the 2.0 MPi

petrol engine puts out 116kW/192Nm and the 2.0 CRDi 130kW/383Nm. Depending on spec level, the ix35 has LED daytime running lights, projector headlights, LED rear lights, roof rails and new grille. Inside, you get an adjustable multifunction steering wheel, at least two

airbags, on-board computer, bigger cup holders with blue illumination and a radio/CD/mp3/AUX/ipod/ Bluetooth audio system.

Elite models feature a sunroof and starter button while sharing things like bigger wheels, ESP and stability control, active yaw control, hill descent and hill start assist, four more airbags, leather trim, auto lights, climate control, cruise control, TFT touch-screen, reverse camera and three-mode Flex Steer system with the Executive range.

All models, even the wee ones, have ABS brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, can carry between 486 and 583 kg, tow from 750 kg (unbraked) to 2 000kg (braked) and carry 100 kg on the roof. Tank size is 58L, the turning radius about 5,3m and every model carries a full-size spare wheel.

An ix35’s boot space can be extended from 591F to 1 436F by folding the two-stage 60/40 split rear bench.

For the adventurous, ground clearance is 170 mm, approach and departure angles are 28 and 27 degrees, wading depth is 500 mm; the on-demand AWD system is only available in the top-spec diesel.

I drove both petrol and turbo-diesel at the launch; the punchy turbodiesel clearly outshines the naturally-aspirated petrol car. All vehicles had less than 1 000 km on their clocks though, so the petrols should loosen up with a few more numbers in their digital milometer.

Prices range from R319 900 for the 2.0 Premium to R449 900 for the topspec 2.0 CRDi Auto AWD. Hyundai’s 5-year/150 000km warranty and 5year/90 000km service plan will help the ix35 to retain its local sales crown.

Perhaps this time round – fingers crossed – I’ll even get one to test for a week.

Galimoto Media

19 See the city in a different light: Peugeot’s new 2008 BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

MOTORPRESS The arrival of Peugeot’s 2008 compact urban crossover on South African soil marks the French marque’s entry into one of the newcarmarket’sfastestgrowingsegments.

Based on the same platform as the highly successful 208 compact hatchback, and reflecting a further, refined interpretation of the latest Peugeot design language, the 2008 combines the nippy dimensions and character of the 208 with the space, versatility and lifestyle appeal of a compact crossover.

Short overhangs, a streamlined shape, smooth surfaces and generous glass areas all combine to create an attractive, even athletic vehicle with contained dimensions that belie the interior roominess and practicality on offer.

Initially offered in comprehensive Allure specification only, and powered by a zesty, efficient 1,6-litre engine, the 2008 retains the dynamic character that has already made its 208 hatchback a firm favourite among sub-compact hatchback buyers.

That’s hardly surprising, considering the two cars share the same platform, which combines superior torsional rigidity with the refinement and response of an independent front suspension, and a fine-tuned, space-saving torsion beam axle.

Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, which is the only transmission on offer at launch. Peugeot’s Grip Control system,whichoptimisesthe2008’stractioncontrol settings for a variety of conditions, is standard.

Raised ride height further adds to the versatility of the 2008, allowing it to cope confidently with anything from smooth highways and urban routes to indifferent country roads, even gravel, while retaining the platform’s inherent agility and response.

Performance is zippy, thanks to the engine’s lively character. Equipped with four valves per

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passenger car line-up in South Afcylinder featuring ‘intelligent’ rica,” says Francis Harnie, managvariable valve timing, the fueling director of Peugeot SA. “It exinjected 1,6-litre unit has a tends our brand’s reach into the maximum output of 88 kW at fast-growing compact crossover 6 000 r/min, linked to a torque segment, while introducing this peak of 160 Nm at 4 250 r/min. segment to the crossover values alAn aerodynamic shape and ready established by our larger a kerb mass of just 1 080 kg also 3008. contribute to a 0-100 km/h ac“The 2008 also shows Peugeot’s celeration time of 9,5 sec, while commitment to a new generation the top speed is 196 km/h. of cars that combine efficiency and The 2008’s dynamic capabilia greener environmental footprint ties are combined with equally with an engaging driving experiimpressive economy: the ence – attributes already ably demcrossover sips fuel at a rate of onstrated by our 208 hatchback.” just 5,9 litres/100 km in the Harnie says the 2008 proves that combined cycle, with exhaust compact cars can be versatile, spaemissions of 135 g/km. cious and comfortable, while offerThose already familiar with ing a strong value proposition. the 208 will feel instantly at “The overriding trend in the home in the cockpit, which re- Those already familiar with the 208 will feel at home in the new cocknew vehicle market overwhelmiterates Peugeot’s uniquely in- pit, which reiterates Peugeot’s intuitive ergonomic approach. ingly favours a smaller form factuitive ergonomic approach. A PHOTO: MOTORPRESS tor, greater affordability and ensmaller steering wheel highFor all its practicality and versatility, the hanced economy, but without compromising lights the crisp road manners of the 2008, while the instrumentation is arranged to optimise the 2008 continues Peugeot’s resolute march into on comfort or safety.

“The Peugeot 2008 meets and even exceeds more upmarket territory, thanks to smart fininterface between car and driver.

Agenerously dimensioned, full-colour touch- ishes and materials, and all-pervasive aura of all these expectations, while retaining the élan screen display is a further ergonomic boon, al- quality. The Allure trim and equipment levels and design flair our products have become lowing intuitive access to the extensive info- are comprehensive, with a mix of genuine known for.

“The value proposition is further enhanced tainment offering, which includes integrated leather and comfortable cloth ensuring both by the Peugeot Premium Plan, which links a satellite navigation, Bluetooth-powered teleph- comfort and visual appeal.

Fine detailing includes exquisitely executed three-year/100 000 km warranty to a fiveony and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, a trip computer, and an FM/AM metallic accents, ergonomically designed year/60 000 km maintenance plan, as well as switch gear with tactile appeal, and subtle am- by Peugeot’s unwavering commitment to cusreceiver with multiple loudspeakers.

Given its compact form factor, the 2008’s bient illumination to enhance the overall feel- tomer service and satisfaction,” Harnie concluded. roomy interior will come as a surprise. Rear ing of well-being.

The new Peugeot 2008 will go on sale in South Asitscustomershavecometoexpect,thenew accommodation is spacious, while the wideopening tail-gate provides convenient access to Peugeot 2008 also counts top-class safety among Africa in May 2014. Initially, the 2008 1.6 Allure its many attributes. In passive terms, the safety will be the only model on offer, while additional a generous 360 litre boot.

Even more impressive is the way the split measures include front, side and curtain air- derivatives are being considered for release at rear bench seat folds away completely, leaving bags, while active measures include latest-gen- a later stage.

Peugeot’s 2008 1.6 Allure retails for R269 900, a flat-floored cargo area that easily accommo- eration electronic stability control, as well as dates large, unwieldy objects. From mountain ABS brakes with emergency braking assist- which includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/60 000 km maintenance bikes to hiking gear, the 2008 matches its own- ance and brake force distribution.

“The new 2008 is a key addition to the Peugeot plan. ers’ lifestyle expectations to a T.

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Lexus se CT 200h is fraai maar taai QUICKPIC

Lexus het sopas sy nuutste CT 200h met ’n nuwe voorkoms sowel as nuwe stilering, verbeterde rompsamestelling, hersiene vering en nuwe toerusting onthul.

Aan die kern van hierdie verbeteringe lê meer sweispunte en ander rompversterkingsmaatreëls, ’n hersiene veerstelsel wat ten gunste van groter ritgemak ingestel is, en ’n nuwe stileringspakket.

Justin Ryan, hoofbestuurder van Lexus SA, sê die vêrreikende verbeteringe aan die CT 200h strek dieper as net die oppervlak.

“Hierdie verbeteringe reik tot in die hart van die nuweling, waar dit sy estetiese aantrekking, hanteringsvermoë en bestuursgenot oor die algemeen verhoog.

“Nog ’n verandering is die inkorting van die reeks, wat nou uit net een model bestaan, met leerbekleedsel, dubbel-sone klimaatbeheer en elke denkbare stukkie veiligheidstoerusting as standaard; dit alles gee ‘n mens die perfekte kompakte weelde-luikrug,” sê Justin.

“Die opgegradeerde CT versterk ook Lexus se verbintenis tot die skep van ’n aantreklike ontwerp en genotvolle verrigting regdeur ons hele produkreeks.”

Die nuwe CT 200h kombineer groter rompstewigheid, ’n hersiene veerstelsel en verbeterde lugdinamika met ander omvattende maatreëls wat geraas en vibrasie verminder ten einde ’n meer verfynde, gemakliker ry-ervaring en ’n selfs nog geruisloser kajuitomgewing te bied.

Bykomende sweispunte en die omvattende gebruik van struktuurkleefstoftegnologie is ingespan om rompstewigheid te verbeter.

Die sterker romp het dit ook moontlik gemaak om veringverstelling aan te pas. Die kronkelveertempo is verhoog, nuwe skokbrekerkleppe word gebruik, en die deursnit van die agterste rolstaaf is aangepas om ritgemak te verbeter sonder om hantering in te boet.

Daarbenewens is ’n skakelaar bygevoeg waarmee die vastrapbeheerstelsel deur die bestuurder afgeskakel kan word ten einde meer direkte beheer oor die voertuig te bied.

Die stuurreaksie is ook verbeter deur die elektriese kragstuurstelsel (EPS) te verfyn sodat dit ’n gladder en meer natuurlike stuurgevoel bied.

Die algehele verbeterings word deur nie minder nie as 94 afsonderlike maatreëls aangevul, wat almal ingespan is om die voertuig se geraas, vibrasie en grofheid (NVH) verder te verminder.

Van dié veranderings sluit in: , Verbeterde klankdigtingsmateriaal vir die binnekant van die agterste wielnisse. , Die toevoeging van modderskermafskortings wat verhinder dat geraas die kajuit deur die ruimte tussen die modderskerm en voorskort binnedring. , Die gebruik van demp-lae om die hoeveelheid enjin- en padgeraas wat die kajuit binnedring, te beperk. , ’n Nuwe ontwerp vir die hibriedinlaattros kombineer geruisloosheid met uitstaande inlaatdoel-

Die CT200h nuweling van Lexus se voorkant vertoon ‘n meer treffende ‘uurglasprofiel’. treffendheid.

Die nuwe CT 200h word die sewende (en mees onlangse) Lexus-voertuig wat dié weelde-fabrikaat se uurglas-sierrooster kry, wat die CT se lae voorkant en groter spoorwydte beklemtoon.

Van die kant gesien word die nuwe CT 200h deur sy nuwe 16-duim tienspeek-allooiwiele onderskei.

Die ander groot visuele verskil word agter aangetref: die nuweling het ’n splinternuwe agterbuffer wat ’n meer horisontale samestelling vertoon.

Die nuwe ontwerp behels kenmerkende L-vormige weerkaatsers en ’n swart middelste gedeelte aan die onderkant van die voertuig om sy lae swaartekragmiddelpunt en breë sterthouding beklemtoon.

Die hersiene buite-pakket in ’n oogopslag: , ’n nuwe uurglas-sierrooster, , afsonderlik-gegote dele vir die

voorste buffer, wat ’n duidelik onderskeibare verskil tussen die onderste en boonste dele van die sierrooster skep, en ‘n meer driedimensionele effek skep. , nuwe agterbuffer met groot versonke weerkaatshulse en vals lugverdeler, , nuwe haaivin-lugdraad, , lugstabiliserende vinne wat onder die ligsamestelle en deurrame sowel as die enjin- en vloerskerms onder die voertuig aangebring is. , Verfynde binneruim-ontwerp en opgegradeerde toerusting Die nuwe CT 200h se binneruim is ook verfyn om groter gemak, beter toerusting en die algehele gehalte daarvan meer sigbaar en tasbaar te maak.

Die detail-verbeterings sluit in: , ’n Nuwe ontwerp vir die stuurwiel met sy kleiner deursnit (370 mm) en ’n vergrote L-kenteken in die middel, wat nou by dié van die

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

IS-modelreeks pas. , ’n Herontwerpte ratkierie wat nou in Lexus-silwer afgewerk is en ’n leerbeklede omhulsel het. , Metaalagtige bedekking vir die skakelaars van die klankstelsel, met ’n doppie oor die bybehore-verbindingsok. , Opgestopte armleunings. , Kaarthouer vir die voorste passasier se sonskerm. , Beter beligting van die vensterskakelaars. , Waarskuwingsliggie vir die agterste sitplekgordels. , Nuut-ontwerpte Hibried-ECOaanwyser. , Keuse van nuwe toffiekleurige leerbekleedsel.

Prys en waarborg: Die CT 200h kos R388 800 en word gedek deur ’n waarborg en diensplan van vier jaar/100 000 km. Besoek www.lexus.co.za vir verdere inligting

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Toyota’s Corolla is no “fridge on wheels” HANJO STIER

I’m not a connoisseur of household appliances, but when I do buy one, I always try to get one of the more reputable brands.

The only time I did splash out on something extravagant for the kitchen was when Dr. Porsche’s family business made a kettle. Other than that, I tend to ignore tumble-dryer sales and don’t subscribe to Appliance Enthusiast magazine.

What I’m also not a big fan of is the unnecessary mockery and bullying of certain vehicles: all Defenders break down, every Mini driver is gay and the Toyota Corolla is just a motorized fridge. Really? I’ve closely examined examples of both types of machines and can c onfirm that they bear no resemblance to each other whatsoever.

Someone, latching on to the Corolla’s abundant sales and Plain Jane character, called it a refrigerator and the avalanche of abuse started. I’m not a Corolla devotee, but I think it has received more flak than necessary. A slightly boring yet amazingly sensible car – what’s wrong with that?

With more than 40 million sales worldwide and almost a million in southern Africa may make it the most common car in the world.

This also means most people have a good Co-

The interior also got a severe makeover, its upgraded materials and vastly contrasting shapes taking notes from the 86 and some Lexus designs.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC rolla story to tell. A colleague had one as her first car, a lovely brown model with beige interior, inherited from her grandfather.

One of my best friends got a Corolla with his driver’s license, handed down from his sister who had first got it from their mom. Notice anything? Yup, on top of being very practical, the Corolla is the epitome of that lovely Afrikaans word “kanniedood” – they just don’t die. (Most of Windhoek’s taxi drivers will agree!)

Toyota’s 11th generation Corolla echoes the brand’s new design languag: a tapered Tshaped nose and sculpted surfaces that aren’t too extreme to scare off existing clients; understated and modern. Its length and wheelbase have grown slightly to increase comfort

and practicality levels even more.

Snazzy door handles and chrome trim add class to Corolla, which is available in seven tasteful colours. Optimised aerodynamics, weight, rigidity and running gear give the new model better consumption, handling and ride-comfort levels. The cd value of 0.27 is class-leading.

The interior is new and its upgraded materials with contrasting shapes follow some 86 and Lexus designs. Better seat and steering wheel adjustment and more space provide improved ergonomics – the new Corolla is better in almost every measurable way.

More noise damping makes this car exceptionally quiet and despite a shorter rear overhang, boot size has increased to 452F. Im-

proved specifications and standard features are also most welcome as we recently discovered that the outgoing Corolla was completely out-gunned in a C-segment sedan comparison.

Four spec. levels divide the car’s features into Esteem (entry-level), Prestige (midrange), Sprinter (sporty) and Exclusive (luxury) grades. Highlights include power everything, climate control (top two only), touchscreen TFT multimedia system, Bluetooth (not Esteem), smart entry and reversing camera (Exclusive). Four engines and two gearboxes power th2014 Corolla. Petrol four-cylinders are available in 1.3L (73kW/128Nm), 1.6L (90kW/154Nm) and 1.8L (103kW/173Nm) while a brand-new 1.4L turbo-diesel (66kW/205Nm) is the thinking person’s choice with averages of just 119g CO2/km and 4.5F/100km.

I sampled most engines on the Corolla’s recent launch and as impressive as the tiny turbo-diesel is, the 1 600 petrol engine was my pick on the various routes at sea level. All engines are available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the 1.6L and 1.8L can also be had with the new Multidrive S automatic gearbox.

As can be expected, new Corolla aced the EuroNCAP crash test rating with five stars, its safety arsenal including up to seven airbags, improved pedestrian protection, clever seatbelts, whiplash lessening, increased child restraints, ABS brakes with emergency assist and force distribution.

Traction and stability control are fitted to the two top models, as well as hill start assist.

Prices start at R214 900 for a 1.3 Esteem, the equivalent 1.4 turbo-diesel costs R237 900 and the top-spec 1.8 Auto is R283 900. There are eight other models/spec levels in between.

Toyota has a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan. This 11th generation Corolla is advertised as “a car you can be proud of” but I would put a different spin on it. The Corolla is a sensible, practical, value -for-money car that your daughter will probably hand down to your grandson one day.

Galimoto Media

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag 3 April, 2014

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SOLD AUTO BOLAND

Donderdag 3 April, 2014

Michael Stephen in his Audi at the front in Class A

MOTORPRESS Round two of the Super Series in Cape Town saw Michael Stephen (A1) claim the championship lead in the Class A of the Bridgestone Production Cars. Stephen has claimed the title on three separate occasions and a good performance at Killarney saw him move into first place.

“I was fastest in qualifying, won the first race and finished in second place in the feature race,” says Stephen who also posted lap times among

those of the top two racers during the practice sessions. “We’ll be racing at our home circuit next, we know the track and setup so it should be a strong round.”

According to the championship rules, Stephen will have to start the feature race, which counts for double points, from the back of the grid as he is now the championship leader.

This is going to make his qualifying and first race results in PE critical to his championship ambitions.

In the Cape, Stephen took his usual methodical approach to the racing, opting to capitalise on opportunities

as they came up, instead of pushing hard and gambling on success. The reward for his patience was another strong performance, with a second overall finish for the day, and a valuable haul of points that has moved him to the top of the log.

For Stephen’s team mate, Simon Moss (A38) the weekend was a decidedly tough one, but he is very happy with his race day.

“It has been a difficult weekend,” says Moss. “I can take a lot of good from this event though. I was a lot quicker than at Zwartkops. I touched Johan Fourie in that first race and it affected my wheel alignment. I scrubbed half the rubber off the tyre on the fender and in the second race

my rear suspension broke – probably from an incident earlier in the race.”

Moss never expected an easy ride as he moved into the top class of competition in the Bridgestone Production Car Championship, and is philosophical about the trials and tribulations that accompany his new motorsport category.

He is, however, very optimistic about the next event in Port Elizabeth. This is where he has done his testing in the run-up to the season, it is where he has spent the most time with multiple champion, Stephen, in preparation for the year ahead and he knows he has good pace at Aldo Scribante Raceway.

There is a good chance that he will

produce one of his best performances, if not his best, of the 2014 season in front of his home crowd. A good result at home could see him prepared for an equally good performance at the East London round in July, the third of three consecutive coastal rounds for the Super Series competitors.

Look out for the Engen Xtreme team at Aldo Scribante Raceway on Saturday, 3 May, when they contest round three of the 2014 Bridgestone Production Car Championship in Port Elizabeth. The competition in this category gets more exciting with every passing event and a nail-biting performance is expected from these racers as they fight for points in the Friendly City.

Round two of the Super Series in Cape Town saw Michael Stephen in his Audi (A1) claim the championship lead in the Class A of the Bridgestone Production Cars.

PHOTO: MOTORPRESS