Soldmotorings5 20140626

26 JUNIE

A POPULAR BUY: Schonenberg Estate in Somerset West is popular with Gauteng families moving to Cape Town.

READ MORE ON PAGE 12

BUILDING TRENDS:SAVING ENERGY AND WATER NOW TOP PRIORITY

Homeowners opt for eco­friendly living DALEEN FOUCHÉ A growing trend to transform houses into more energy-efficient and eco-friendly living spaces is gaining momentum in the Helderberg and Boland.

A local builder working in Helderberg, Boland and Overberg says more and more homeowners choose to install energy-saving systems when they are building new

homes or making big renovations to their current home.

He says the more popular strategies to make a house energy efficient, are to install solar geysers and to use thicker glass for windows. This trend is strengthened by the new Energy Efficiency (EE) building regulations of 2011 that makes certain energy-saving systems compulsory for new buildings.

A less-known measure to save on

energy that is gaining popularity is to use thicker walls to regulate the temperature of the house.

Water-saving systems are also making inroads to the building industry. He says many home owners who do big renovations choose to install a grey-water system which recycles household water to the garden.

Andries Basson, committee member for the Sectional Title Association of Somerset West (Stas-

west), says there is a growing interest by sectional-title owners to improve the energy use in their homes.

He says especially with the prospect of load shedding and the increasing cost of electricity, more owners are opting for solar geysers and other alternative sources of electricity.

Basson, however, says the sectional-title owner has a bit more of a challenge when installing these

systems than single residential homeowners. He explains that any system that can not be fitted into a unit, has to be placed on the common land which is also an extra responsibility for the body corporate.

Basson says more body corporates are investigating these options to make it possible. The options to use solar energy to light common areas and to power the security gates are also becoming more prevalent.

2

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

3

4

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

5

6

Districtmail

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

26 Junie, 2014

Luxury estate launched in style The launch of Willowbrook Estate was held at Willowbrook Lodge on Wednesday 18 June to present the luxury development to the market.

From left is Steve Caradoc-Davies (Harcourts Platinum), David Kain (Developer of Willowbrook Estate - Hengrave Estates), Garth Uys (Harcourts Platinum), Nicholas Bone (Developer of Willowbrook Estates - Hengrave Estates) and Jason Hutton (Harcourts Platinum).

During the planning phase of the development Harcourts Platinum received strong enquiry from the marketplace on the development.

The launch was the ideal occasion to present the final development product to interested parties.

The five luxury homes, de-

signed by architect Abrie Jordaan, have been designed to maximise the setting and the views, whilst at the same time creating maximum privacy for the residents. All the homes will be built to the exacting standards that Hengrave Estates is known for, but with a range of revolutionary features never before seen in the Helderberg basin.

A luxury development of this nature needs a fitting launch to set the tone of the estate. As part of the Luxury Property Selection marketing that Harcourts Plati-

num will use to market the development, the launch provided the ideal platform for purchasers and development partners to discuss the development, the site, and the design with interested parties. “We were very pleased with the attendance at the event and we’ve received excellent feedback from the market. Demand in the development is strong and we are expecting to convert this interest into sales�, says Caradoc-Davies, principal of Harcourts Platinum.

BOLAND SOLD

Districtmail

HELDERBERG

26 Junie, 2014

7

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

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

021 870 4600

8

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

9

10

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

What kind of market are we in?

There’s been a fair bit in the press lately about ence this time over previous markets, at least our changing market. There is no doubt that in my 25 years of real estate. The difference things have changed in the past nine months. is that this time we have all three kinds of But according to our research the current markets at the same time, but in different Helderberg market is different to growing market segments.

Our research shows that in the price range markets of times past.

There are three kinds of markets: a Buyers up to approximately R2 750 000 there is a shortage of listings, and a Market, where there are more strong supply of buyers. This sellers than buyers – a Sellers means that this market segMarket, where there are more ment is currently a Sellers Marbuyers than sellers – and a Balket – with good upward presanced Market, where there are sure on prices. Buyers have to equal numbers of buyers and compete strongly to secure a sellers. property.

The first thing to appreciate In the market segment beis that the property market, tween R2 750 000 and R5 000 000 like all markets, reacts to supthere are equal numbers of buyply and demand. When demand ers and sellers – a Balanced is low and supply increases, Market. This means that sales then prices drop. When deare taking place at a good rate, mand is strong and stock levels but there is not as much updecrease, then prices increase. Talking Property with wards pressure on prices as From 2008 to 2011 we saw a Steve Caradoc-Davies buyers still have a range of listdramatic increase in the quantity of properties available, as the market be- ings to choose from. We may see this change came flooded due to owners’ inability to af- soon as listing numbers reduce – and we’ll ford their repayments. Buyer numbers were keep our eye on this segment.

In the price range above R5 000 000 there are very limited as banks declined about 60% of all bond applications, and were giving rela- still relatively higher stock levels in comparitively low loan-to-value loans. Buyers simply son to the numbers of buyers. So this market didn’t have the cash required to make up the segment, at least in the Helderberg market, difference. The result was the property values is currently still a Buyers Market. That doesn’t mean prices are falling here – in fact dropped, in some cases by up to 35%.

From 2012 we have seen a steady increase they are growing at a healthy pace. But what in bank lending, with more purchasers being it does mean is that there are more listings able to obtain homeloan finance. An increase than buyers here, and sellers need to price in sales has lead to a decrease in supply. A more competitively to attract interest and sefew years ago there were approximately 1 000 cure a sale.

It must be said though that, in any market, properties on the market in Somerset West.

Now, there are less than 500. The increased a property that is correctly priced and well demand and reduced supply means there is marketed will sell at market value. The good news is that, across all market segments, upward pressure on prices.

But, in the Helderberg area, there is a differ- there is healthy growth.

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

11

12

Districtmail

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

26 Junie, 2014

Gauteng buyers flock to Somerset West

There has been a noticeable influx of Gauteng buyers moving their families to the Western Cape, and particularly to the Somerset West area.

That’s according to Pam Golding Properties’ (PGP’s) area manager for the Helderberg Basin, Louise Varga, who says the group has noted a rise in Gauteng-based buyers during the first months of 2014, as well as increased demand from other upcountry provinces.

Of PGP’s last 90 sales in the area, 15 were to up-country buyers (12 of them from Gauteng) and another nine to international buyers, mostly

from Germany, the UK and USA. Security and a wholesome family lifestyle appear to be the main factors driving these relocations.

Schonenberg Estate occupies a substantial area of 65 ha, and has close to 530 residential erven, ranging from neat lock-up-and go homes to larger family dwellings.

The result is that the estate has a homogenous blend of residents, ranging from young professionals and first-time buyers to families with children and older buyers downscaling for their early retirement years.

The development is approaching maturity, with 439 homes completed

and a further 30 currently under construction. Prices range from around R2 million for a compact lock-upand-go home with two bedrooms, to around R4,5 million to R6 million for larger and more luxurious family homes with swimming pools, double garages and luxury finishes.

Early investors have made a healthy profit, with homes purchased for R1,4 million in 2008, now selling for just over the R2 million mark.

PGP’s most recent sales have included a brand new lock up and go home sold for R1,8 million, and a larger three-bedroomed family residence which sold for R2,35 million.

This home in Schonenberg Estate was recently sold by Pam Golding Properties for R2,35 million.

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 26 Junie, 2014

13

14

Eikestadnuus 26 Junie, 2014

SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

Eikestadnuus

STELLENBOSCH

26 Junie, 2014

New property brand in SW

Blocking another person’s view is not illegal

Fine & Country International Realty launched its Somerset West branch on Thursday 19 June during an elegant British themed cocktail and wine tasting event at their new offices in Bright Street.

The dynamic duo of Kelly Reifarth (Harris) and Shaun Harris, will run the franchise and are two well-known names in local real estate circles.

About 130 guests attended the event.

Wendy Awomold, Tayo Bolodeoku and Ore Adio-Moses.

Magdel and Charl van den Berg.

15

Jacques van Niekerk, Gerhard Smit and Fanie Bosman enjoy a drink at the launch.

PHOTOS: DALEEN FOUCHÉ

Every now and then, says Bill Rawson, chairman of the Rawson Property Group, he is approached by a home owner who has had a large section of the view from their home reduced or obliterated by a neighbour deciding either to extend their home or, if the plot has previously been undeveloped, building so large and imposing a complex that again it destroys others’ views.

Typically, said Rawson, a single storey home owner will suddenly find that the building next to him is now about to become a double or triple storey – and this is especially unfortunate if the new, larger building is on the northern side and therefore blocks out the sunshine as well as the view.

Regrettably, said Rawson, in nine cases out of 10, there is nothing the severely disadvantaged home owner can do because in all homes in that street or precinct, although initially perhaps small and appropriately sized for their plots, on investigation will be found to have had the right to extend upwards or sideways from the time the plans were first approved.

“The moral of the story, therefore, is to check the

zoning rules that apply to your street before you buy – and if the loss of a view will be distressing to you, consider buying elsewhere or at the very least be aware of the risk you are taking.”

Equally frustrating to home owners, said Rawson, can be the situation where a buyer signs for a plot and plan deal, usually in a new multiunit sectional title development, without realising that future development will impede their view.

In a small minority of cases, added Rawson, perverse or ignorant owners have built above or beyond the specified limits for their erf – and in the old days they very often “got away with it”.

More recently, he said, the courts, when appealed to on this matter, have cracked down on this type of illegal building and (in some cases) have actually ruled that the sections above or beyond the specified limit be demolished.

“As the quality of the view can make or break a home,” said Rawson, “it is very important that this matter should never be fudged and there should be clarity on this issue right from the start.”

16

Eikestadnuus

SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND

26 Junie, 2014

Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in 300 locations worldwide.

BANHOEK COTTAGE SOLD BY US

R2 250 000 Live in a haven in a forest – one of a kind niche property in the most beautiful valley around Stellenbosch: 3 bedr, 2 bathr.

Viewing by appointment: Jannie 084 626 0017

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

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

021 870 4600

BOLAND SOLD

STELLENBOSCH

Eikestadnuus 26 Junie, 2014

17

18

Paarl Post 26 Junie, 2014

SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

PAARL/WELLINGTON

Paarl Post

26 Junie, 2014

19

20

Paarl Post

SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND

26 Junie, 2014

This 47,9 ha lifestyle farm located over seven hills in the La Motte/Wemmershoek area offers stunning views and landscapes and is on the market for the first time at R14,85 million.

Franschhoek/Paarl Valley farms wanted Farms around the Franschhoek/ Paarl Valley are back on the investment radar of local, upcountry and foreign buyers looking to secure a property in this scenic and fertile valley, says Seeff Franschhoek agent, Elza Oberholzer.

Interest is once again coming from across the board with anything from small lifestyle plots to larger lifestyle farms and commercial wine and olive farms back in demand, Oberholzer says.

Since October last year, about 42 farms with a total value of almost R235 million were sold. Smaller lifestyle plots have sold for upwards

of around R2 million to R3,5 million while about nine larger lifestyle and commercial farms were sold for upwards of just under R10 million to R30 million.

Lifestyle farms especially (many with untapped potential) are offering some of the best value right now. These range from a 2,4 ha plot on the Berg River, priced at R3,4 million to a 47,9 ha lifestyle farm located over seven hills in the La Motte/Wemmershoek area, just outside the village.

The lifestyle farm is located in the same area as the Waterfal farm and is more than double the land size,

with excellent development potential. On the market for R14,85 million, the scenery and vegetation is quite unmatched in the area, she says.

The estate includes a spacious double-storey homestead with four bedrooms, two on the lower level with en-suite bathrooms, the third on the upper level with a study nook and adjoining lounge and the fourth located over the double garage with panoramic views. The property is close to the village with all its facilities and is also in close proximity to the prestigious Bridge House School.

26 JUNIE

Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland

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

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

021 870 4600

FUNKY: THE C4 PICASSO OFFERS VALUE AND VERSATILITY

Citroën C4 Picasso is a trendsetter MOTORPRESS Citroën is confident its new C4 Picasso multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or people-mover will be another global trendsetter, thereby following in the tracks of the original Xsara Picasso, which was launched to much acclaim in 1999. Initial response to the latest model from the motoring press and buyers in Europe, where it was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, has been very positive and enthusiastic.

Two derivatives of the C4 Picasso have joined the rapidly growing range of Citroën vehicles on sale in South Africa – the Seduction and Intensive – both powered by a 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 turbo diesel engine developing 85 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque. Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

These smooth-running engines offer sparkling performance with a top speed of 189 km/h and 11,8 seconds for the 0-100km sprint, while fuel economy is very impressive too, with a consumption of 4F/100 km for the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of only 105 g/ km.

Pricing of this trending five-seater MPV is very keen, with the Seduction model launching from R325 900 and the even more comprehensively equipped Intensive version from R345 900.

“This new platform is significantly lighter than the previous version and provides the opportunity to lower the engine, thereby the centre of gravity too, making the car more stable while also providing extra interior space,” added Bowring.

“The design team in France has coined the term ‘Technospace’ for

the overall design philosophy behind the spacious new Citroen C4 Picasso as it combines the latest ideas from Citroën’s Créative Technologie division with the design possibilities arising from the use of a new, lightweight platform, which uses aluminium and high tensile steel to reduce weight and gain in torsional rigidity.

Travelling becomes a relaxing experience in the new C4 Picasso with the exclusive Lounge Pack comprising front seats with a massage and seat warming function, while the front passenger can also stretch his or her legs using the extending seat squab. All the seats are fitted with Relax headrests to provide optimum neck support. It is like travelling Business Class!

Although comfort is always top of the list with the Citroën design and development team, they do not stint in terms of driving enjoyment, which means outstanding handling and roadholding.

Of course, being a Citroën means the latest C4 Picasso should also be innovative with unusual features, which is the case.

The exterior styling is pacesetting, with bold, modern lines tending towards a futuristic look with a shorter front overhang and wider track giving it an aggressive, roadhugging stance.

The attractive front end features a new look for the trademark Citroën chevrons, while slim, LED daytime running lights extend the line of the grille, sitting just above the very slender headlights. Fog lamps add the finishing touch to this very original Citroën signature in lights.

The 3D styling effect for the LED lights at the rear was inspired by the rear light treatment of the recent Tubik, Survolt and Revolte concept cars, displayed at recent motor shows and employed on the Citroën

The Citroën designers and stylists have also been given the opportunity to showcase their ability with an innovative interior for the new C4 Picasso.

PHOTO: MOTORPRESS

DS3 last year.

The attractive styling of the latest C4 Picasso can be shown off to good effect with a choice of five colours: Polar White, Aluminium Grey, Ruby red, Teles Blue and Shark Grey.

Uniquely-styled alloy wheels are highlights of the exterior styling.

The Seduction shows off 16” Viper wheels and the Intensive sports 17” Anaconda rims, both with Michelin tyres.

The 7” touch screen with its seven touch-sensitive buttons controls all in-car functions including satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, and an audio system with six speakers, USB connectivity, Bluetooth with media streaming and an additional USB socket all within a finger’s reach. The 12” panoramic HD screen displays essential driving information. Drivers can even display a personal photo as a screen backdrop using a USB key.

There are front park assist sen-

sors on both models while the Intensive model also has front park assist sensors and the Park Assist system for easy parallel parking.

Storage spaces abound, including two beneath the floor of the second row of seats.

Seating consists of five individual seats, with the three seats in the second row offering the convenience of occupants being able to adjust the rake of the backrest.

There are a host of convenience items including programmable cruise control and speed limiter, an electronic handbrake with hill start assist, automatic on-off for the headlamps and windscreen wipers, sliding driver’s and passenger’s sun blinds with sun visors and courtesy mirrors, “find my car” feature with illumination by means of the interior lights and flashing hazard warning lights and a “guide me home” headlamp function.

Additional equipment on the In-

tensive variant includes LED front indicators, kerb lighting (puddle lights in the exterior rear view mirrors), removable and rechargeable boot light/torch, interior mood lighting, integrated, retractable rear side window blinds, rear seat conversation mirror and front fog lamps with a cornering function.

Luggage space is very generous with 537 litres capacity below the parcel shelf, which can be enlarged to a very spacious 1851 litres when the rear seat backrests are folded forward. In addition, the powered tailgate can be opened remotely by the press of a button.

As one would expect from Citroën there is a vast array of standard safety and security equipment, including ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency braking assistance (EBA), electronic stability control (ESC) with intelligent traction control; automatic activation of the hazard warning lights in case of rapid deceleration or impact, six air bags and a deflated tyre indicator.

The Citroën C4 Picasso comes with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/100 000 km service plan, 3year 24-hour roadside assistance, with the extra cost option of extending the warranty to 5 years/ 100 000km.

Then there is the option of purchasing Citroën Freedrive, which consists of a 5 year/100 00 km warranty and a 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

“We are very proud of this latest addition to the Citroën model lineup in South Africa, as it is class-leading in many aspects of its specification besides being exceptionally stylish too.

We are confident it will be yet another trendsetter from the chevron brand,” concluded PCSA Managing Director, Francis Harnie.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

26 Junie, 2014

23

Solid performance needed on iconic Toyota 1000 Kalahari Botswana Desert race QUICKPIC Castrol Team Toyota is heading to the spectacular Toyota 1000 Kalahari Botswana Desert Race this weekend, and is aiming to bank as many points as possible. While this may be their aim during any race, the fact that the “Desert”, as it has become known, offers double championship points, makes it doubly important for the team to put in a solid performance.

“Because of the extreme length of this race, it is classed as a marathon event – and that means double points on offer,” says Team Principal Glyn Hall. “We’ll be running the Hilux in the same specification as we did on the last race and as such we’re not expecting any surprises from the vehicle.”

After three rounds of the championship, Castrol Team Toyota driver Anthony Taylor, with codriver Dennis Murphy, is tied with Ford driver Manfred Schröder at the top of the leaderboard. Teammates Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie are currently tied for fourth in the production vehicle standings.

“The Desert can make or break a championship. If you are down after a couple events, this is the place to make up some points,” reckons Hall. “We would obvious-

Anthony Taylor is raring to go Toyota 1000 Kalahari Botswana Desert Race this weekend. ly love a win on our home event, but realistically we need to put as many vehicles as possible on the podium to ensure maximum points earned.”

In addition to the two Castrol

Team Toyota Hiluxes, the team will also be fielding a third Castrol Hilux in identical spec. Brazilian veteran Reinaldo Varela (54) will be piloting, with his regular navigator Gustavo Gugelmin beside

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

him. Valera has competed in several hundred cross-country events globally, and won the Baja Italy in 2013, but this will be his first appearance at the Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race.

This year’s Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race will be based around the Jwaneng area, 170 km northwest of the Botswana capital of Gaborone. The move to a new part of the country was made at the request of the Botswana Tourism Organisation, as the race offers communities a significant income boost, and the organisation wants to see more communities benefit from this event.

The result is that teams will face new racing territory for the third time this year as the first two rounds of the racing calendar – the RFS 450 and Toyota Dealer 450 – were new events, with only the Nkomazi 450 (round 3), having featured before.

“The new terrain levels the playing field a lot,” continues Hall, “and you sometimes need a bit of luck on your side when heading into virgin territory. The area around Jwaneng is very dry and sandy, with lots of tree stumps lurking in the bushes.”

The “Desert” was first run in 1975, and moved to Botswana in 1991 and this year marks the 33rd year of Toyota sponsoring the event. The race gets under way with the prologue, to determine the start-order for the main event, on 27 June. The race itself is contested over two days, each featuring two loops of around 200 km, and finishes on Sunday 29 June 29.

24

Donderdag

26 Junie, 2014

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

26 Junie, 2014

25

26

Donderdag

26 Junie, 2014

New VW Polo offers much more QUICKPIC Volkswagen Polo is one of the world’s best-selling compact models with nearly 14 million units produced and sold worldwide to date. The Volkswagen factory in Uitenhage is one of the two plants in the Volkswagen production network that assembles the Polo hatch. In South Africa, the Polo is produced for both the local and export markets.

Since its launch in 2010 Polo hatch has consistently been the second best-selling passenger car in South Africa. In 2013, Polo hatch was bought by 23 501 customers. The best-selling car in South Africa since 2010 has been Polo’s sibling, the Polo Vivo, which was also launched in the same year.

The new Polo has been enhanced both visually and technically. The driver assistance and infotainment systems as well as the new TSI engines now available with either 5 or 6-speed manual transmissions or the award winning DSG gearbox, have taken the new Polo to another level. The new Polo offers the widest range of assistance systems in its class. It is also the first car in this segment that comes equipped with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard.

Thanks to the new award-winning TSI engines, the new Polo fuel economy has been improved by as much as 20 percent. The pick of the bunch is the 1.2 TSI 66 kW engine.

It has a claimed fuel consumption

of 4.9 F/100km (117 g/km of CO2 emissions).

Visually, the new Polo can be identified by a sharper front and rear design. In addition, the new model introduces fresh colours, new interior materials and new specifications. The new Polo now comes in three equipment levels, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Customers who want a Polo with rugged but sporty looks can opt for the CrossPolo.

The new Polo will be launched with fuel efficient TSI engines, which replace the MPI engines. Initially only the four-cylinder 1.2 TSI engines will be available with the power output range of 66 kW and 81 kW. TSI engines. The two 1.2 TSI engines replace the 1.4 (63 kW) and 1.6 (77 kW) MPI engines. The new Polo is the latest Volkswagen model to be offered with the award winning small capacity TSI engines.

1.2 TSI with an output of 66 kW. The entry derivative is fitted with the TSI engine that delivers an output of 66 kW available at 4 800 rpm.

The claimed combined fuel consumption of the 1.2 TSI 66 kW engine is as low as 4.9 F/100 km (117 g/km of CO2 emissions). Turbocharging boosts the torque at this power level to 160 Nm (over the range 1 400 to 3 500 rpm). The 66 kW powered Polo 1.2 TSI has a top speed of 184 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 10,8 seconds. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 1.2 TSI 66 kW engine is available with the Trendline and Comfortline derivatives.

Visually, the new Polo can be identified by a sharper front and rear design.

1.2 TSI with output of 81 kW. At 81 kW, the new Polo attains a fuel consumption value of 5.1 F/100 km (equivalent to 120 g/km CO2). The maximum power of this engine is available at 5 000 rpm and its maximum torque of 175 Nm is delivered between 1 500 and 4 000 rpm. At this power level, the Polo 1.2 TSI has a top speed of 196 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,3 seconds.

As an alternative to the standard 6-speed transmission, this engine can also be ordered with an optional 7-speed DSG, which provides an optimum of efficiency, dynamics and

comfort. The consumption for the DSG transmission remains unchanged at 5.1 to F/100 km (122 g/km CO2).

The 81 kW engine is available in the Highline derivatives as well as the CrossPolo.

There are optional convenient features on offer for the new Polo customers that want to individualise their cars. These optional features include Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (only available with CrossPolo at launch), panoramic sunroof, removable towbar, climatronic airconditioning, light and vision pack-

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

age (includes auto-dimming interior mirror, rain sensor wipers and low beam assist), park distance control (front and rear), rear view camera ‘Rear Assist’ and cruise control. ) Prices (VAT and CO2 emissions tax included) 1.2 TSI 66 kW Trendline R188 300 1.2 TSI 66 kW Comfortline R209 700 1.2 TSI 81 kW Highline R233 300 1.2 TSI 81 kW Highline DSG R247 800 1.2 TSI 81 kW CrossPolo R241 000 The new Polo comes with a 3 year/45 000 km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000 km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

26 Junie, 2014

Mercedes­Benz South Africa Silver in Europe­Africa QUICKPIC The much anticipated J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) has placed the MBSA plant in East London amongst the top motor manufacturers in 2014, according to their poll of American consumers after 90 days of ownership of new models in this market.

The MBSA plant has received a silver commendation in the Europe-Africa manufacturing region from this esteemed organisation, whose IQS quality rating is upheld by many in the international automotive industry as a benchmark for quality and reliability.

As the only African plant on the list of awardees, this is the sixth consecutive award for Daimler AG’s South African plant. The company’s J.D. Power award collection now boasts two gold awards (2009 and 2011) and three silver awards (2012, 2013 and 2014) in the Europe-Africa region, as well as the ultimate accolade – a platinum award in 2010, as the highest ranking plant in the world supplying the US market.

MBSA CEO and vice-president of manufacturing, Arno van der Merwe, attributes the consistency of the manufacturing plant’s performance to a focus on efficiency improvement and stringent quality systems within the produc-

tion process. “While technology and process excellence is of vital importance, equally essential is the mind-set and passion of our employees,” van der Merwe says.

The East London plant produced the W204 C-Class for both the local and US markets, and registered only 27 problems per 100 vehicles (27PP100) surveyed by J.D. Power in 2014. The gold award recipient in the Europe-Africa category performed only one point better, at 26PP100 vehicles. “This clearly shows the necessity to run a tight ship at our plant in terms of reliability, efficiency and quality,” van der Merwe adds.

The W204 C-Class model has been replaced by the latest model variant from Daimler AG, and started production at the East London plant in May 2014. “The fact that we have maintained the quality of our production in a runout year, while simultaneously preparing both facility and employees for a new and more advanced model, proves the level of focus of our employees,” van der Merwe concludes. “We are extremely proud of this award and its implication for our status as a first-class manufacturer.” As one of only four Daimler AG plants world-wide selected to produce the luxury new C-Class, MBSA has invested in excess of R5 billion into the South African economy between

27

The top-selling, dynamic W204 C-Class was manufactured by highly skilled employees at the award-winning Mercedes Benz South Africa production plant in East London.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

2011 and 2015. Close to R60 million has been channelled into training initiatives, with more than 1 200 training interventions and assignments to various international plants. In addition, nearly 900 unemployed people from the Border Kei region have been upskilled as part of the new C-Class training programme.

28

Donderdag

26 Junie, 2014

SOLD AUTO BOLAND