Boland Sold 20140417

17 APRIL

GOLDEN MILE:SHOWING SIGNS OF RECOVERY

Strand beach front a ‘favourite destination’ DALEEN FOUCHÉ The sales and interest in Beach front property in the Strand is picking up and showing signs of recovery from the recent recession.

Pierre du Preez, real estate agent for Rawson in Strand and specialising in beach-front propert, says there is a definite increase in demand for and sales of property on the Strand beach front.

He says the first signs of an upswing in this specific market started showing in January this year and interest from especially Gautengers, who want to retire in Strand, is also forthcoming.

According to Du Preez, one of the reasons why the Strand beach front is so popular, is because of the reasonable prices. He says compared to Bloubergstrand, the Strand offers very competitive prices, but has similar tourism attractions such as the long stretch of beach.

According to Du Preez the Golden Mile that begins at the Hibernian Towers towards Somerset West is especially popular and many retirees prefer to buy apartments in older buildings because it is a lot more spacious than new buildings.

He says the new buyers invest money to renovate the older apartments, which brings renewal to the Strand beach front.

The development potential on the Strand beach front is, according to Du Preez, very small with only a hand-full of properties left with the potential to be developed.

Alten Vermaak, a real estate agent for Seeff in Strand, who specialises in beach-front property, says Seeff currently has 120 beachfront apartments for sale.

In 2013 Seeff in Strand sold 103 properties totalling R147 million.

According to Vermaak there is a definite increase in interest in beach-front property for the first time since the economic recession hit the country in 2008. He says the upswing in sales started in January this year, after a very quiet December.

Vermaak believes Nelson Mandela’s passing was responsible for the quiet December period, which is usually one of Seeff’s busiest times. He speculates that buyers probably wanted to see what economic consequences would follow before investing in property.

Beach-front property, however, is still not doing as well as suburban areas that are closer to schools, such as the popular Strand North area.

He says prior to the development boom on the beach front, the majority of buyers were investing in holiday homes.

He added that now, more people are buying apartments on the beach front to live in.

Sakkie Kotze, team leader of Engel & Volkers, says there is a constant stream of available property on the beach front, mostly apartments.

He says the type of buyer interested in these properties are mostly people who want to retire in the Strand and prefer not to be saddled with big houses.

Other investors in beach-front property include the parents of students in Stellenbosch and Cape Town who buy apartments for their children and later on use the property as a holiday home.

Kotze, however, says the economy still has to recover quite a bit before the market will allow for beach-front property to do as well as before the economic recession.

Beach Road in Strand is still a popular holiday and retirement destination.

EXPERT OPINION

READ INSIDE

Is your estate agent licensed?

Sales increase in the Helderberg Pg14

Pg8

STELLENBOSCH R2 365 000 _________________

SMALL HOLDING R4 600 000 _________________

> BEDROOMS 3 > BATHROOMS 1 > GARAGES 1

> BEDROOMS 3 > BATHROOMS 1.5 > GARAGES 2

Charming three bedroom plus study cottage in quiet area.

Exceptional views 2ha Teewaterskloof water scheme.

Established vines.

_______________________

_______________________

www.annabasson.co.za

Marina 082 557 0864

T:+27 21 887 4740

Jané 082 331 1664

S

CAMPUS

R1 590 000

> Slaapk 3 > Badk 1 > Parking 1

Spacious flat on campus.

STELLENBOSCH

R2 400 000

> Bedrooms 3 > Bath 2 > Garage 1 Lock up & go - well maintained complex

R1 500 000 CENTRAL > Bedrooms 2 > Bath 1 > Park 1 Walk everywhere.

CENTRAL

R995 000

> Bedroom 1 > Bath 1 > Park 1 No Transfer Fees

CAMPUS

> Bed 1 > Bath 1 > Parking 1 Walk to class.

R750 000

CAMPUS

R1 825 000

> Bed 2 > Bath 1 > Parking 1

Het Begijnhof. On Campus!!

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SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

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HAPPY EASTER: Rose McFall Properties decided to celebrate their first year at 167 Main Road with an Easter Bunny and egg display. “Throughout the year we are going to make an effort to put a smile on the face of our town by doing seasonal displays for everyone to enjoy,� says Rose McFall.

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 021 870 4600

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

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Is your estate agent licensed?

The same is true of property rentals. Only a licensed agent and agency are allowed to engage in property rentals. Estate agents usually hold the rental deposits in trust. If they are not licensed then you have no protection if they disappear with your money.

Fortunately the real estate industry over the past ten to 15 years has done much to improve their levels of professionalism.

Incidents of fraud are the exception, not the rule. But there are still unlicensed The Estate Agency Affairs agents in the marketplace board licenses estate agencies Talking Property, by Steve who are waiting to pounce on and individual estate agents Caradoc-Davies, principal the unwary victim. every year. It is illegal to trade of Harcourts Platinum If you encounter anyone without a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) issued for the current year. If who purports to be an estate agent but does an agent or agency is denied a Fidelity Fund not have a current and valid FFC for themCertificate by the Estate Agency Affairs selves and their company, or they are party Board (EAAB), it is often for good reason. to irregular transactions, then you are enBefore you list your property for sale it couraged to report this to the EAAB by callwould be prudent to ask the agent for a copy ing the Whistleblower Hotline – 0800 223 225. of their personal FFC, and that of the compa- You are able to remain anonymous should ny they work for. If they’re not licensed for you so wish.

On the positive, you do benefit from the the current year then you should not be doprotection offered when you do work with ing business with them as it’s illegal.

What are the risks? For one, you are not a licensed estate agent. Not only should you covered by the EAAB Fidelity Fund – which benefit from the Estate Agents Code of Coninsures you should a licensed estate agent duct, but ethical and licensed estate agents run off with your trust money. The EAAB should be able to provide you a valuable servalso has strong powers to deal with estate ice, thereby justifying their fee.

Bear in mind that when you deal with a agents who engage in unethical conduct. If you fail to ensure that your agent and agency private seller or private landlord you do not are licensed then you lose that protection. receive the same protection. Monies held by Unethical conduct by unlicensed agents them are not covered by an FFC. So when can cost you dearly. Dishonest business dealing privately, ensure all trust monies practices and fraud have sadly cost careless are held in an attorney’s trust account, where you also receive the same protection. consumers significantly.

EXPERT OPINION

Would you invest millions of rands with an unlicensed investment broker? It’s highly unlikely that you’d take the chance. And yet some consumers work with estate agents without first ensuring they are licensed with the Estate Agency Affairs Board. In most cases your fixed property is the single biggest investment you have. Would you really risk it with an unlicensed agent?

Team Pieter Kotze from RE/MAX Helderberg was ranked 50th among all RE/MAX teams internationally at the RE/MAX International awards. The team is, from left, Stiaan Vercuiel, Pieter Kotze, Juan Combrinck and Guillaume Malan.

RE/MAX’s winning formula The Helderberg RE/MAX team celebrated several achievements and bid a fond farewell to a team member on Friday 4 April.

The team, who were all dressed in orange to proudly promote their corporate brand, was treated to a beautiful evening of live music and food at Avontuur Wine Estate.

The event served as a farewell to Linda Van Nes, a member of the RE/ MAX team who is returning to Holland with her husband after a successful career in the Helderberg area.

The team also celebrated several successes achieved throughout the year.

Pieter Kotze and his team, as well as Van Nes, were awarded with the prestigious RE/MAX international Hall of Fame Award.

Lee Siebert, principal of Helderberg RE/MAX says this international award measures the income

Linda Van Nes and Lee Siebert enjoy the evening together. real estate agents generates in US Dollars.

Pieter Kotze and his team were also ranked 50th among all RE/MAX teams internationally.

The Helderberg RE/MAX team grew by 37% in the first quarter of 2014 and have employed eight new real estate agents.

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Estate agents still needed in the tech age While the Internet and on-line retail web sites have become a continuously evolving fundamental part of many tech-savvy consumers, there are elements of dealing with a real estate professional face-to-face that simply can’t be replaced, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

Goslett points out that although the Internet age has

brought about many changes in the way that real estate business is conducted – like the fact that more than 90% of homebuyers use a property search portal as their initial step towards homeownership – a large majority of those consumers will still seek the professional services of a real estate agent during the property buying process.

“The real estate industry has moved with the times and agen-

cies have spent time and resources developing web technology.

The majority of real estate agents have also invested in technology such as smart phones and tablets to ensure that they can keep in touch with their growing online databases,” says Goslett.

He adds that despite consumers’ mixed opinions of real estate agents, the fact remains that they do provide an important service to the market and can bring a lot

to the table. While online property buying is increasing in popularity, real estate agents are still responsible for the majority of property sales in this country.

“There are just some things that should be left to the professionals and unless a private seller is an experienced realtor who manages some kind of property portfolio, it seems pointless to go at it alone,” says Goslett. “From a seller’s perspective, an established

estate agent with the necessary qualification will have the resources and experience required to make sure the property is sold for the best possible price within the shortest period of time.”

“Due to the nature of property sales and the huge financial impact these transactions have on people’s lives, the right estate agent can add value and be a helpful professional guide to rely on,” Goslett concludes.

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Sales on the increase in Helderberg area There was an incredible upswing in property sales in the Helderberg over January and February this year.

This is according to Schalk van der Merwe, franchisee of Rawson Helderberg.

Van der Merwe is co-franchisee with his father, Johan, with Wouter Joubert a shareholder of the Rawson office in the Strand.

“Our franchises at Somerset West and Strand had 57 confirmed sales in January and February.

This was a record for us and represents a 40% increase over the same period last year, measured both by units sold and in terms of overall turnover,” says Van der Merwe.

He says a buyer was found within a week for one-third of the properties sold and either the full sale price was agreed upon, or was within 5% of the full price.

According to Van der Merwe the fastest sales were achieved in the R800 000 to R3 million bracket.

“In the Strand the average price was close to R1 million, but eight properties in the higher price brackets also found buyers in January.”

The most expensive home sold in February was priced at R6 500 000.

Van der Merwe says Helderberg Rawson currently employs 19 agents in all and attributes some of the recent success to these

“well trained and efficient” real estate agents.

Other reasons supplied by van der Merwe for the recent spike in sales include the fact that monthly rentals are on the increase and can no longer be considered as saving on bond payments. “People now see home buying as the more logical option.”

Down-scaling, especially to security villages, is on the increase and has been responsible for over 30% of all sales, according to van der Merwe.

The steady stream of European buyers, traditionally experienced in this area, has doubled recently.

This, says van der Merwe, is in response to the falling Rand and the very favourable exchange rates now prevailing in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Older properties that are competitively priced in relation to new homes are very popular, but Van der Merwe says the problem most estate agents in the Helderberg face is to get enough stock for the big demand.

Van der Merwe predicts, the increase in popularity of the Helderberg will continue and definitely influence the market in its favour and push up property prices.

“Those contemplating moving to the Helderberg Basin who do not buy in the near future will find that they are losing out and that they will have to pay considerably more a year or two later.”

A poolside view of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Golden Hill, Somerset West. This home is set in a beautiful established garden, has a balcony attached to each bedroom and is on the market at R6 500 000

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HIGH-SPEC FIVE-DOOR: TOP VALUE FROM HYUNDAI

New Accent 1.6 hatchback has it all QUICKPIC A very attractive hatchback with an excellent list of specifications that offers real value has been added to the local Hyundai passenger car range. The addition of this five-door Accent has also filled a spot in Hyundai’s range that has long been reserved for it.

Powered by a 1,6 litre petrol engine and available with a choice of a six-speed automatic or a fourspeed automatic gearbox, the Accent hatchback is bound to gain ground quickly in the competitive B-segment of the South African market.

Two derivatives – the 1,6 Fluid manual, with a six-speed gearbox, and the 1,6 Fluid with a four-speed automatic transmission – will be on Hyundai dealers’ showroom floors in South Africa from this week.

Both derivatives get their power from a very economical four-cylinder 1,6 litre Gamma engine which is transverse mounted to drive the compact yet roomy Accent Hatchback through the front wheels.

The petrol-injection engine, with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), has a displacement of 1 591 cm³ and delivers maximum power of 91 kW at 6 300 r/min. and peak torque of 156 Nm at 4 200 r/ min. Its CO2 emissions were measured at 152 g/km for the manual derivative, and 161 g/km for the Accent Hatchback with the automatic transmission.

A combined fuel consumption figure 6,4 litres/100 km was recorded in the manual Accent Hatchback, while the automatic derivative delivered average fuel consumption of 6,8F/100 km.

When viewed from the front, the

attractive features ofAccent Hatchback resemble those of its sedan sibling with headlamps that curve into the body, and a two-piece black bezel design that adds a touch of high-tech luxury.

The sporty fog lamps, which are standard equipment, blend with the stylish looks of the body shell that reflects Hyundai’s fluid sculpture design language. The hexagonal grille, Hyundai’s family face, has rounded edges which makes the Accent Hatchback look even more modern and stylish. The body coloured outside door handles provide a refined, uninterrupted look.

At the rear the sedan’s spacious boot is replaced with a wide hatch door that reveals an equally roomy luggage area, covered by a parcel tray for security. Rear combination lamps blend with the sides of the Accent Hatchback in a modern, dynamic style, making the Accent look wider.

Large rear reflectors incorporated into the bumper add to the modern style and provide extra safety and visibility. The raised edges of the rear hatch door contribute to the sensual aesthetics and provide better aerodynamics at speed.

The exterior picture is rounded off by attractive alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tyres. The spare wheel, located under the floor of the luggage area, is also a full-size alloy.

Improved gear shift feeling for the manual six-speed transmission, which is regulated with the help of a hydraulically controlled clutch.

The gear ratios are well spaced to provide spirited acceleration with frugal fuel consumption in the overdrive sixth gear.

The four-speed automatic transmission features a flat-type torque converter with a variable line pres-

Improved gear shift feeling for the manual six-speed transmission, which is regulated with the help of a hydraulically controlled clutch.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC sure control disc-type return spring. These innovations ensure reduced gear noise and smooth gear changes.

The suspension provides good ride and handling, with McPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear ensuring comfortable suspension that is still firm enough to provide excellent road holding and articulation, even on rough surfaces. Lateral load compensation springs offer reduced

friction resistance on the struts, improving the ride and optimising the suspension to ensure comfortable driving. The use of springs that are independent of the modified shock absorbers allow more efficient use of the interior space at the rear.

A Motor Drive Power Steering system delivers a sharp response when the steering wheel is turned, with accurate handling. It also makes the Accent Hatchback a car that is easy to manoeuvre and park

in city traffic.

The prices of the two Accent hatchback derivatives are: Accent Hatch 1.6 Fluid (manual) R 234 900 Accent Hatch 1.6 Fluid (auto) R 244 900 Hyundai’s 5 year/150 000 km warranty, 5 year/90 000 km service plan and 5 year/150 000 km roadside assistance is part of the Accent Hatchback package. Service intervals are 15 000 km.

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Peugeot 208 GTi: Hang on to this pup’s lead!

HANJO STIER I am writing to you today from the comfort of a sea-side villa where the beach is within spitting distance and a particularly jovial dog has been avoiding capture by its owner for the best part of ten minutes. Why did I come here?

Among other things, to get my head around Peugeot’s new 208 GTi. For the last few months, my garage has housed a whole flurry of hot hatchbacks, in all sizes and from all corners of the world. This is a good thing. Efficiency and economy are current concerns of car makers and buyers and I think it’s brilliant that the hot hatch segments have adapted so quickly and so well.

Every new pocket rocket with the satin sheet pulled off it at a motor show, can brag with a smaller engine but bigger power; more torque yet less thirst. The advances in turbo and injection technology have reached other vehicles too but I find they’re most noticeable in cars with thin sidewalls and big exhausts.

Where Peugeot’s 207 GTi still used a naturally-aspirated 1,6-litre motor, this new 208 range-topper benefits from a state-of-the-art 1,6-litre, direct-injection, high-pressure turbocharged four cylinder engine developing an astonishing 147kW (200hp) at 5 800 r/min and 275 Nm from just 1 700 r/min onwards.

That means it’ll rocket to 100km/h in 6,8 seconds (t’is true, we clocked 6,4) and its speedo needle can easily reach the early 200’s. All the while,

it will only help itself to an average of 5,9F/100km and emit just 139g CO2/km. Although I did reach 6F/100km at some stage, expect a bit more if you plan on driving the car.

Other versatile and hot hatchbackworthy items are 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, ESP, six air-bags, auto lights and wipers, ISOFIX anchors, full-size spare wheel, the world’s tiniest adjustable sports steering wheel with buttons,

parking sensors and auto-steer park assist.

More luxuries come in the shape of climate control, a cooled cubby hole, on-board computer, cruise control and speed limiter, 60/40 folding rear seats, some leather trim, very comfortable sports seats at the front and a radio/USB/Bluetooth audio system with navigation and touch screen monitor.

The new Peugeot 208’s compact shape and trendy proportions have

been dollied up with extra chins and fins on bigger bumpers, GTi badges along its flanks, stylized exhaust pipes and pointy chrome bits on its grille. Red to black gradients, silver accents and red stitching adorn a crisp, modern cabin.

Just like its smaller siblings, the 208 GTi’s instruments have been raised from behind the steering wheel to just under the windscreen.

A few seat and steering wheel adjustments fix any visibility issues but

Not too hard and quite forgiving in most situations, the sporty little Peugeot has plenty of grip and cornering ability even when you push harder.

PHOTO: MOTORPRESS

the odd-numbered markings and generous red zones on some gauges take a while to fathom.

The touch-screen sound system also seemed a bit counter-intuitive at first but all this is irrelevant as the 208 GTi is all about the way it drives.

As mentioned, the front sports seats look hard-core but are actually complete softies with good support – something that’s mirrored by the typically French suspension.

Not too hard and quite forgiving in most situations, the sporty little Peugeot has plenty of grip and cornering ability when you push harder. That teeny steering wheel is linked to a very direct mechanism and, together with a crisp six-speed manual gearbox, helps to elevate the 208 GTi’s fun factor to even higher levels.

The brakes can be a bit touchy and the first two gears appear to be quite tall; more importantly though, this car is almost devoid of turbo hesitation and, given the slightest whiff of petrol, will shoot forward like the little black puppy whose owner thought it was OK to drop the leash.

It goes and goes and goes!

Priced from R291 100 with very few optional extras, you also get a 3year/100 000km warranty and 5year/60 000km service plan with what I think is a proper, modern hot hatch. Lots of power, fun, easy to park, blessed with great handling, versatile and frugal enough for that trip to the seaside.

The dog, by the way, was eventually caught by the time I had typed this sentence.

Galimoto Media

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SOLD AUTO BOLAND

Donderdag

17 April, 2014

Subaru XV: the epic tan HANJO STIER Last weekend I was invited to go camping for a bachelor’s party, two activities I thoroughly despise. Not wanting to be a spoilsport though, I accepted the double challenge and even offered free rides to some fellow attendees in the test car of the moment, Subaru’s XV crossover SUV. A few foul-mouthed group chats later, everything was arranged and I loaded the prerequisite sleeping gear, braai utensils and half a bottle store into my very orange car. What immediately became apparent was that the XV’s 310 F boot was already filled to half its capacity by just my stuff.

Three cheerful dudes later, the Subaru could take no more so quite a bit of luggage and more expletives were exchanged with another driver. While transferring sex toys, loudspeakers and yet more booze to the other car, we did note that the Scooby hadn’t sunk to its knees yet – it was just out of space.

Four fully-grown men and a cooler box, mostly dressed in orange, found sufficient room and comfort on the XV’s furniture for a 200 km trip to a riverside campsite. Not before inspecting the car a little closer though, its garish paint hiding a mix of bulky angles, smooth creases and black plastic cladding.

One or two middle-management types crinkled their nose at the Subaru’s simple interior but were eventually pacified when they learnt that the spartan layout and budget materials usually spell hardiness and longevity. It’s nothing special but it feels sturdy – kinda like an old Toyota.

Next on the agenda for open discussion was the CVT (continually variable transmission) with its unfamiliar, scooter-like behaviour. Although you’ll find a set of shift

paddles behind the steering wheel, these mimic certain gear ratios with very little success; it’s best you leave it in the one-gear auto mode.

Bolted to the business end of this gearbox is a traditional Subaru engine: a 2 F, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) four cylinder petrol. Put foot and it thumps out 110 kW (150 hp) at 6 200 rpm or 196 Nm at 4 200 rpm, reaching 100 km/h in 10,7 seconds or a top speed of 187 km/h.

Claimed average fuel consumption is 7,9 F/100 km from the 60 F tank and average emissions should be around 187 g CO2/km.

Admittedly we were far above the XV’s unladen mass of 1 420 kg but everyone felt that most of those numbers were a bit optimistic; especially the torque.

Someone rushed to the engine’s defence by stating that we’ve been spoilt by turbocharged cars, which would explain why the combination of laid-back gearbox and highrev torque was struggling to gain significant momentum on perfectly flat roads. Uphill sections were even more unpleasant.

As a result of this, we didn’t make the return trip in one go and had to stop on the way back for extra fuel. Most driving was done at the posted speed limit or at a very leisurely pace over dirt and rocky roads. It was here that the Subaru XV clawed back some positive feedback.

Power is sent to all four wheels via an Active Torque Split All-Wheel-Drive System, with a bias towards the front two in normal conditions. We never encountered seriously rough conditions but the car’s clever drive train and 220 mm ground clearance got a full quartet of nodding heads.

Another trait which impressed almost every occupant was the XV’s pliant suspension. McPherson struts at the front and double wishbones out back do a superb job of keeping the cabin relatively free from un-

Although you’ll find a set of shift paddles behind the steering wheel, these mimic certain gear ratios with very little success; it’s best you leave it in the one-gear auto mode.

PHOTO: GALIMOTO

necessary discomfort over corrugated dirt roads or farm tracks made entirely of loose cobble stones.

Shortly after we arrived, my memory goes a bit hazy but I’m sure Subaru will be pleased to learn that after the festivities, we found the car exactly where I had parked it. Driving back home was a quieter affair, the soft music only being interrupted by occasional cracks of an energy drink cap.

Easy listening tunes were streaming from the six-speaker radio/CD unit with Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs. It’s just as simple as the trip computer and can also be operated via buttons on the adjustable steering wheel. I also employed the cruise

control for quite some time.

There are more nifty features fitted to this car and you should know that it comes in three variants: Manual FWD, this CVT AWD and an i-S Lineartronic AWD. Prices range from R299 000 over R309 000 to R345 000 with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 3-year/75 000 km service plan.

Unless you’re a serial commuter, go for the manual version to get the most out of this little SUV. The jump up in price to the top model is mostly down to more luxurious specifications, but it is only available in automatic. Not a bad thing when you’re nursing a babalas and an epic shirt tan.

Galimoto Media

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BMW 435i: The alluring weapon FRANS LE ROUX It has been seven long years of waiting since BMW introduced their giant-killing 335i sedan. I remember back in 2007 when I saw the first of what proved to be a big step (in the right direction) for the German manufacturer.

She was parked outside a grocery store. She was white, adorned with the M-Sport pack and boasted a beautiful set of twin exhausts. Walking around her in the parking lot certainly could not have prepared me for what I experienced with the mind-blowing new 4-series Coupe seven years later.

BMW has since decided to drop one of the two turbos, which helped the first 335i to the admirable power figures of 225 kW/400 Nm. Today however, the power stays the same, even while using only one turbo. But what about turbo-lag I hear you say? Well thanks to TwinScroll technology, there is simply put, no lag at all. What happens is they use one turbocharger driven through two exhaust pipes. As it does with two smaller turbochargers this double charging causes a quicker build-up of pressure and thus more direct engine response. You now save weight while the TwinScroll system aids fuel economy as well.

Let’s get started with the car itself: after some begging and pleading, I picked up a brand-new BMW 435i from Paarlberg BMW. The fuel tank was full, I had two days, needless to say had a smile wrapped right around my head.

Some interesting additions to an already punchy engine were made by BMW, specifically for this 435i. Firstly, and in my opinion the best upgrade one can ever do to this brilliant straight six engine, is to fit an performance exhaust system. And not just any back-yard stainless steel drain pipe that makes a noise, but a hand crafted, carbon fibre tipped, aural masterpiece made by a Slovenian company called Akrapovic. This exhaust system not only looks spectacular in matte black but sounds absolutely beautiful throughout the rev range.

This aural splendour emitting from the rear of your 435i comes at a hefty price tag, R55 000.

Certainly not cheap, but it does add about 10 kW of power. The second performance upgrade is a computer chip that adds more power (roughly 20 kW) and it’s made by BMW specialist tuners AC Schnitzer. All sounds pretty intimidating, but it all translates into a blisteringly quick Coupé with about 255 kW/480 Nm. I probably also need to explain why there is suddenly a 4-Series in BMW’s line up. Well, they have dropped their 3-Series Coupé and renamed it 4-Series. All of BMW’s even numbers (2,4,6) will be available in Coupé shape.

The styling of this new 4-Series is simply gorgeous. You can choose between two- fourcylinder models as well (420i and 428i) which both use the same 2,0 engine. With a hunkered down stance, widened waist-line, blackened, flared nostrils and an aggressive front fascia, the 4-Series looks purposeful and intimidating. Those attractive multi-spoke 19-inch wheels add to the sporty appeal.

Take a seat and you’re greeted by a redesigned new dashboard and centre console.

Quality leather and other plastics are scat-

SLEEK LINES: The new BMW 435i Coupé. takes four adults with their stuff and can scare them stiff too.

PHOTO: FRANS LE ROUX tered around a snug cabin. The 435i had the Sport Line package fitted, which featured red matte inserts and a matching key. Electronic sport seats offer ample bolstering in all the right areas, while finding your perfect driving position takes only seconds. A well-proportioned leather-clad steering fits tightly between your fingers. The large multimedia display screen features everything your heart desires: you can access your music, mobilephone and even Satellite Navigation from the newly redeveloped system.

The most important aspect of this 4-Series however, is how it feels to drive.

This is my third year of testing cars, and nowhere along the way have I tested anything that accelerates quite as fast. The standard 435i catapults from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, while it quickly runs out of puff at 250 km/h (electronically limited). These figures are only half the story. Thanks to four different driving modes, the 4-Series can transform itself from a luxurious highway cruiser into a brawling mountain-pass racer in the blink of an eye. While driving, select Sport or Sport+ mode, shift the gear-lever to left and hold on for dear life. Sport+ mode is slightly more tricky because it removes some of the traction control settings. I would suggest that a novice driver stick to Sport mode. If selected, it adapts the suspension, adjusts the sport steering and maximises the cars ability in all round conditions.

The 435i leaps forward when you stomp on the accelerator. In-gear acceleration is savage and your body gets pushed back deep into your seat. Along with the burp and crackle emitted from the exhausts, every sense of your body

is enticed.

In Sport+ mode the perfectly balanced 435i corners flat with almost no body roll at all. It s thanks to its superb balance, incredible grip and a taut chassis that the BMW inspires such confidence.

Fuel economy is always an important factor, and thanks to a butter- smooth dual-clutch 8speed automatic gearbox, overall combined consumption was around 9,5 litres/100 km.

At R704 200 it is certainly not a bargain buy.

But take into account that its two main German rivals, the Mercedes Benz C350 Coupé and the Audi S5 Coupé, cost more or less the same. As tested here it retails for R812 700 (standard Sportline 435i R704 200). Thanks to BMW’s 5 year/100 000km maintenance plan, you can enjoy trouble free motoring for years to come.

The 4-Series then is a truly special car. If it’s exclusivity and style matched with breathtaking performance and dynamism you’re after, there is only one choice and I would pick the 435i every single time.

23

Bobaas-tegnikus troetel BMW’s Paarlberg BMW in die Paarl se hoofstraat bestaan al meer as 50 jaar.

Hierdie bekende motorhandelaar bied die volle reeks BMWs aan hulle kliente en lewer ook puik diens.

O’Brien Patience Indien jy die staan gereed om jou afgelope deka- te help by Paarlberg de jou BMW by BMW. Paarlberg laat versien het, is die kanse goed dat dit deur die knap hande van Hooftegnikus O’Brien Patience (34) gegaan het.

Patience werk reeds vir byna 15 jaar

by Paarlberg. “Ek het begin werk as ’n junior vakman, en het drie jaar geneem om die kursus te voltooi. Hierna moes ek vir ’n verdere vier jaar studeer om ’n gekwalifiseerde tegnikus te word.”

Hy is hierna aangestel as hooftegnikus en het sedertdien nog nie terug gekyk nie.

“Daar word jaarliks ’n nasionale kompetisie gehou om te bepaal wie die land se beste BMW-tegnikus is. Ek het in die verlede al hierdie kompetisie gewen en drie keer in die Top 10 geëindig.”

Dit is dan geen geheim dat jou voertuig

by Paarlberg BMW in uitstekende hande is nie. Indien jy enige probleem het met ’n BMW of in ’n nuwe motor belangstel, bel die handelaar by 021 872 2076.

021 841 4287

021 870 4601

021 887 2840

021 312 3717

24

Donderdag

17 April, 2014

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25 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG: the phenomenal shadow BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

17 April, 2014

HANJO STIER I’ve been waiting for this car a long time. A few cancellations and finger nails later, a Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG finally arrived for a week of testing. Why was I so excited to drive it? Not only because it is the first proper AMG A-Class, it’s also the first four-pot AMG and the most powerful four cylinder in the world.

That’s right, this car is all about big numbers under the column marked “power”. If you’re into hybrids and economical diesels, you may want to stop reading now.

Should you appreciate cars which almost burst with too many muscles, the A45 AMG is just the ticket and you probably know all about it.

For those who don’t, here’s a quick refresher: aluminium block 1 991cm³ twin-scroll turbo-petrol four cylinder with forged pistons, multi-point direct injection, 265 kW at 6 000r/min, 450Nm from 2 250 to 5 000r/min, 6 700 r/min redline, 8,6:1 compression ratio and 1,8 bar maximum boost pressure.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via a supremely clever 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with ECO start/stop function, three drive modes and Race Start. Cooling for all of the above was nicked from the SLS AMG and takes up most of the front bumper.

Part of the A45’s impressive safety package is a three-mode ESP (electronic stability program) with normal, Sport and OFF settings. Sport dilutes the traction control and sends more power to the rear axle

Part of the A45’s impressive safety package is a three-mode ESP (electronic stability programme) with Normal, Sport and OFF settings.

PHOTO: GALIMOTO (with own clutch) while OFF will turn a blind eye until you hit the massive grooved and cross-drilled brakes.

AMG claims 7F/100km average fuel consumption, 165g CO2/km and EU6 emissions standard, an electronically limited 250km/h top speed and 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

I tried my level best to achieve that consumption figure but the closest I got was an indicated 8.1F/100km with very careful driving.

The opposite side of the spectrum is much easier when you slot the ³ AMG into Manual mode and paw your way through the cogs with loud

shots on full-throttle upshifts and a volley of cracks and pops when you shift down or lift off – this will eventually pin the consumption average to its maximum of 20.

Better yet, engage Race Start and sprint past 100km/h in under five seconds. We did a few of these for our performance testing and although we clocked a 3,9 as well, our average time was 4,3 seconds – one of the fastest we have ever recorded.

400m fell in just 12,4 seconds, which is firmly in modern V8 territory.

If that isn’t enough to convince anyone of the A45’s blisteringly fast credentials, the road holding most

certainly will. Incredibly hard and bumpy at low speeds, the fully independent, three-link front and fourlink rear setup with something called elastokinematics can handle cornering speeds which beggar belief.

I’ll happily admit that I probably didn’t get close to this car’s grip limits; for the costs of failure are way too high. If you lose it in an A45 AMG, you are travelling at very, very high speeds.

But let common sense prevail and drive within your own limits, and the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG will astound you.

Mother Nature even opened the heavens for a bit so we could sample wet-weather handling and it is absolutely phenomenal. Yet again, as long as you don’t overcook it, the A45 stays planted and the active steering allows you to point it where you want. No torque steer, no drama, just grip.

All the while you’ll also notice how taut and smooth this car is, especially when driving quickly. The sports seats aren’t overly hard or intrusive and the half-suede leather steering wheel is a joy to operate, the cabin’s high waist makes you feel cocooned and most switch gear feels expensive and durable.

Other bespoke items for this car are red ventilation surrounds and stitching, big silver shift paddles, 320km/h speedometer and an AMG menu with race timer in the instrument cluster, carbon fibre-look trim, bright red seat belts, AMG door sills and a stubby gear selector with embossed AMG logo.

I won’t bore you with more specifications but you may be interested in some of the A45’s many optional extras, which include bigger spoilers, wings, more carbon fibre lookalikes, a louder exhaust system, different wheels, lots of trim blackness, as well as hard-core seats, suspension and steering, to name a few.

An A45 AMG is supposed to cost R599 500 with a six-year/100 000km maintenance plan ,but as the waiting list is rather long, some people are asking another R100 000 on top.

Is that a bit pricey?

Yes. Is the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG worth such a stupid price?

Yes. Without a shadow of doubt.

Galimoto Media

AUTO 26 Sleek new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV arrives in SA Donderdag

17 April, 2014

QUICKPIC THE restyled and very well equipped Mitsubishi Outlander SUV has arrived in South Africa.

The latest one comes with a great pedigree and has already received two most prestigious awards globally.

It was recently recognised in the United States as the mid-size SUV/ Crossover with the lowest projected cost of ownership over a five-year period. The calculation, carried out by the respected Kelley Blue Book,

takes into account the anticipated residual value after five years, estimated repair and maintenance costs as well as fuel consumption.

The 2014 Outlander was also awarded with the Top Safety Pick+ Rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US. This followed the Outlander’s scoring best- in-class in a series of crash tests.

The Outlander underwent a full model change in early 2013 and in the earlier launch countries the sales have been very good. South Africa is now getting the all-new Out-

lander with additional 2014 model year changes that include design tweaks that refine the Outlander in terms of styling and aerodynamics, as well as a reduced drag-coefficient that further increases fuel efficiency.

The first in the range of Outlanders to be launched in South Africa will be the luxurious GLS Exceed model. The vehicle is powered by a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine developing 123kW at 6 000r/min and 222N.m of torque at 4 100r/min.

Claimed fuel consumption in the combined test mode is 8,2F/100km and emissions on this cycle are 192g/km. Claimed maximum speed is 195km/h with a maximum towing capacity of 750kg.

The Outlander uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels. The power extends to a multi-select four-wheel drive (4WD) system, which is electronically controlled.

In ECO mode, the 4WD system runs in 2WD during normal driving conditions, but automatically engages 4WD when it senses one of the wheels slipping on a loose or slippery surface. The system permits 4wd Eco, 4wd Auto and 4wd Lock-Up modes.

The lock-up mode increases wheel traction to a maximum. The 4WD system is flexible, driver-friendly and provides great capability in offroad situations.

All models are fitted with 18 inch alloy wheels shod with 225/55R18 tyres and there is a full-size spare wheel.

The new Outlander is extremely

BOLAND SOLD

The 4WD system is flexible, driver-friendly and provides great capability in off-road situations.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC spacious with a lot of loading space for a SUV in this class. It offers convenient seating for seven occupants in three rows of seats, with the second and third rows able to fold flat.

Getting in and out of the third row of seats is also easy thanks to the simple fold-forward action of the rear seats.

The real clincher with the latest Outlander range, however, is the excellent level of standard equipment.

This includes a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, keyless operating system, a high quality touch screen audio system, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, paddle shifts, an information system, park distance control, Bluetooth with hands-free voice control for

cell-phone use, a USB port and a retractable tonneau cover over the spacious luggage compartment.

The 7-seater Outlander further boasts leather seats (driver and front passenger seats are also heated) and a Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers. It also features a rear-view camera, glass sunroof and electrically operated tailgate as well as a rear entertainment system, which connects via wireless headphones.

The Mitsubishi Outlander GLS Exceed retails for R429 900 and is covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty with a 5-year/90 000km service plan.

Servicing is done at 15 000km intervals.

HERMANUS 2009 Nissan Tiida Sedan

R89 900 77,000km

2010 Nissan NP200 1.6 Base

R89 900 102,000km

2012 Nissan Navara 2.5 A/T 4x4 LE

2013 Nissan Almera 1.5 Manual

2010 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 XE

2006 Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 D/Cab 4x4

R349 900 R149 900 R189 900 R119 900 75,000km

2014 Nissan Sentra 1.6 Manual

5,900km

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 4x4

108,000km

222,000km

2007 Ford Ranger 2.5 XLT D/Cab

Happy Easter!

R214 900 R154 900 R104 900 50km

190,000km

Alle voertuie sluit in EEN JAAR / ONBEPERKTE KM MEGANIESE WAARBORG en “op-die-pad” kostes.

1 MIMOSA STREET, INDUSTRIAL HERMANUS

177,000km

T: 028 312 1117

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

17 April, 2014

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17 April, 2014

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