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The grand entrance to the Val de Vie development in Franschhoek.

EXQUISITE LIFESTYLE: POLO VILLAGE TARGETS CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

Val de Vie Estate partners with iconic Ferrari

The award-winning Val de Vie Estate has entered into a ground breaking long-term partnership with the one and only Ferrari, joining forces to combine luxury cars, polo and property.

The Polo Village will be an exclusive offering in which acclaimed architect, Stefan Antoni and Associates, has designed 60 luxury residences and boutique offices to form part of the Val de Vie Estate.

Now one of the 60 lucky buyers of a Polo Pad can drive away with an iconic brand new Ferrari California 30 Convertible.

The Italian philosophy on life, love and leisure perfectly mimic the unrivalled elegance and style distinctive to Val de Vie Polo Village, and it makes perfect sense to partner with a brand that has successfully epitomised luxury and wealth since its inception.

The iconic Ferrari, known for its speed and elegance, has often been associated with the sport of kings internationally and will be making their polo debut in South Africa by showcasing their brand next to that of Val de Vie on polo players’ shirts. Ferrari will also sponsor a luxury polo event at the estate,

which will also be a destination for test drives and Ferrari Club drives.

Val de Vie recently scooped two International Property Awards in Dubai, respectively winning a five-star award for Best Development, Multiple Units, and another award as Highly Commended in the Best Leisure Development category. The “Polo House” was also awarded the Best Single Unit Development in Africa and Arabia.

Limited to just 60 fully serviced luxury boutique Polo Pads and residences, as well as office suites, owning an apartment at the Polo

Village will be highly desirable.

Owners have the benefit of a concierge and full access to Val de Vie’s many facilities.

Polo Village offers a selection of luxury residences which includes a 68 m² Polo Pad, a 96 m² two-bedroom Ambrosia Suite and the lavish 112 m² two-bedroom en-suite Hurlingham Suite. In close proximity, and equally beautiful, you’ll also find the fully serviced executive-style Polo Village Office Suites.

Elegantly designed, each living area has been created as a space that allows for easy living – unre-

stricted, uncluttered and gracefully mimicking the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape with its grey slate finished roofs and natural coloured exterior walls.

Each residence is perfectly complemented by a private balcony epitomizing the backdrop of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountains, rolling vineyards, the immaculate Polo Pavilion, restaurant and polo fields. Units will be priced from R1 500 000 upwards.

Other stands are priced from R1 000 000 upwards and villas are available from R3 million to R15 million.

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Who determines market value?

It’s by far the most pressing question for property sellers: What is my property worth?

Before listing, a seller will call in a few estate agents to get their opinion on market value.

Sadly, many agents will wander through the property, ask the seller what they would like to achieve, and then agree to the figure in order to get the listing.

Some agents may take it further and pull a comparative market analysis report off one of the Deeds Office systems and present this to the seller. The problem with these system-generated reports is that they default to take the last 10 or 20 sales in the geographical area, work out an average price, and then factor it in on the property in question.

It’s a very flawed way to determine market value, for a few reasons: ) Some of these comparative sales could have happened between one and four years ago. Who would argue that the market hasn’t changed? It’s simply stupidity to use a sale in a market that is unrelated to our current market.

and use the correct compari) The physical condition sons. That’s the only way to of these properties used in estimate market value. the comparison may vary But even then, it’s not greatly. The result is that the foolproof. Why? Because the average value per square market changes so quickly. meter could be totally unreThat’s the risk of listing a lated to the property. property with a price. It’s ) As the system selects the conventional way of sellproperties within a close ing – marketing with a proximity only, it excludes price. The danger is that, if other very similar properyou overprice your properties in other suburbs that ty, you chase away the buyare comparable. ers you should be attractThe reality is that the maring. ket has changed consideraEven worse, if you underbly in the last six months. In price your property you fact, we’ve noticed a change Talking Property, by Steve sell for less than you in certain price ranges in Caradoc-Davies, principal of Harcourts Platinum should. the last six weeks!

So, if you are listing with Only the most recent sales can be used. And only the most com- a price, it’s imperative that your agent parable properties should be considered. shares the market feedback with you To this end, an agent who knows what within the first two to three weeks of listthey are doing would never guess at a val- ing. That way you can make adjustments ue, or use an automated computer-gener- to the price if you need to, before you damated report. A professional agent would age the salability of your property. The use their local area knowledge, their skill alternative is listing without a price – and experience to research the market which we’ll discuss in the near future.

2014 Green Building Convention in September The 7th Annual Green Building Convention presented by the Green Building Council of South Africa, will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 10 to 12 September.

Last year the world came to Cape Town for the 6th Annual Green Building Convention; this year the GBCSA are focusing on Africa, bringing it home. The Green Building Convention, sponsored by Nedbank Corporate

Property Finance, has secured thought leaders from around the globe who deliver inspiration and insight into the latest green building and sustainability trends. Already confirmed in this year’s speaker line-up is Zimbabwean architect Michael Pearce, who, committed to creating an architecture appropriate to its surrounding environment and climate, was the project architect on the wellknown Eastgate development in Harare.

The 2014 programme will offer two days of keynote presentations and panel discussions. The successful Brainwave Stage from last year’s convention is back, and will host short, TED-like presentations from the green building community. The convention also offers optional pre-conference education courses and programmes as well as building tours of Green Star SA certified buildings. For more info and to book visit www.gbcsa.org.za

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VIP LAUNCH: The huge new rural suburb coming to the Helderberg – the R4 billion Sitari Country Estate set between the N2 and R102, neighbouring Croydon Olive and Vineyard Estates, held its VIP launch at the exclusive Waterkloof Restaurant on Thursday 31 July. Guests were treated to excellent Waterkloof wines and gourmet food. A model layout of the new development was available to view while guests mingled and enjoyed top class entertainment.

PHOTO: DALEEN FOUCHÉ

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Ensure your managing agent is above board What can trustees do to ensure that their interests and those of the estate that they represent are protected when hiring a managing agent, be it sectional title schemes, share block schemes or gated villages controlled by Home Owners Associations (HOAs)?

There are a number of home based companies offering their services as managing agents. While some are knowledgeable and have good intent, sadly many do not fulfil the very necessary statutory require-

ments. Managing agents fall under the umbrella of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), which managing agents are required to be registered with.

A prospective managing agent should provide a profile of themselves and their operation, how long they have been in business, the support staff functions and qualifications, number of estates under management and references that can be contacted.

A meeting between the prospective managing agent and trustees is recommended to cover any ques-

tions from both sides and assess the compatibility of the parties.

Steps that the HOA can take are: ) Confirm with the EAAB that your managing agent has a current fidelity fund certificate, which will provide insurance to the body corporate in the event of loss of scheme funds held in a trust account.

A managing agent must credit all levies received to an estate agency trust account opened under the EAAB. ) Confirm with the managing agent’s insurer that they have professional indemnity cover.

) Confirm with the National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA) that your managing agent is a member of this voluntary association that requires members to comply with a code of conduct. ) Confirm with the Council for Debt Collectors that the managing agent is a member of this compulsory body, as without membership the managing agent is not legally entitled to send statements or collect monies. ) Ensure that the body corporate takes out sufficient fidelity insurance.

) Check the monthly management accounts carefully, including the bank statements to ensure bills are being paid and have the scheme’s records audited annually ) A Service Level Agreement should be concluded with the managing agent to ensure that there are no misunderstandings regarding duties and expectations.

Remember cheapest may not be the best.

Acknowledgements to Paddocks Attorneys, The Bellbuoy Group, the National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA) and Property 24.

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New estate aids demand for Macassar homes In October this year Adelaide Wildschut, the Rawson Property Group’s franchisee for the small Cape Flats village of Macassar (total population about 48 000), will be celebrating 39 years of residence in the village.

On 1 May 2015, she will have 20 years’ experience as an estate agent with the Rawson Property Group serving the area as an employee of the Rawson Property Group’s Somerset West franchise for six years and the past 13 years as a franchisee for the Macassar franchise.

The residential area of Macassar is in fact, only about 43 years old.

When Wildschut first moved into the village, it had no running water, no electricity and no sewerage network.

In 1976, the council started building

flats, semi-detached and free standing houses. All the houses were low cost and consisted of two and three bedrooms and were all on a rent-tobuy contract. The houses could be bought after 30 years of paying rental, the rent being converted into the full purchase sum and the new owner then paying only the transfer fee.

Today there are thousands of freestanding homes in the area including the northern outer line which make an attractive sight from the N2 freeway to Somerset West.

Prices have risen slowly and steadily over the years at about 3% but Macassar still provides the ultimate in housing value per square metre.

Most of the houses sold here are in the R280 000 to R650 000 price bracket. Standard two-bedroom homes can sell for up to R330 000 and three-bed-

A street view of a three-bedroom home selling for R640 000 in Macassar.

View of the Rawson Property Group’s Macassar franchisee, Adelaide Wildschut next to a typical home at Macassar Village Estate.

room houses are selling at R380 000 and above. The popular homes, added Wildschut, are in the R350 000 to R450 000 bracket.

Macassar certainly has its charms. It is spacious, well laid out (most of the homes have gardens) and is one of the most peaceful villages in Greater Cape Town. Its crime rate is, in fact, lower, said Wildschut, than that of nearby Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay and in addition it has its own good schools, both primary and secondary, as well as efficient transport to other schools.

Wildschut’s franchise is about to enter a new lease of life because it has the sole mandate for selling 53

homes in the new development, Macassar Village Estate. The prices here range from R396 000 for a twobedroom home to R429 000 for a three-bedroom home and R472 000 for a three-bedroom with main ensuite. All these homes will have an impressive range of good finishes, with the buyer able, in many cases, to choose the colours themselves.

The bedrooms will have laminated wood flooring, the living areas will be tiled, the windows will be aluminium framed and all the homes will have built-in cupboards with a fitted kitchen, blinds, burglar bars, safety gates, a starter garage and an enclosed backyard. Units could rent at R3 100 to R3 500 per month.

The builders are using a revolutionary innovation incorporating quickly erected, easily placed interlocking blocks. This system, therefore, makes it possible to erect large pieces of wall swiftly and without complication. The building method has been approved by the SABS and the NHBRC. Almost half of the development is already sold out and it will take them less than three months to sell all the remainder, said Wildschut.

In the conventional second-hand market, said Wildschut, any correctly priced home normally sells within two weeks and her team has, in recent months, been selling between four and six of these per month.

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HELDERBERG 14 Districtmail Cape country and coastal retirement affordable choice

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When it comes to heading for the slow lane and thinking about retirement, today’s options for buyers have thankfully come a long way from the traditional concept of an old-aged home, says Ian Badenhorst, Seeff’s managing director for the Cape country areas.

With security and a focus on a quality lifestyle, we have seen a range of alternatives, from retirement villages to assisted-living centres making their appearance.

Retirees can now enjoy a comfortable retirement in a stunning setting, yet with essential medical care and leisure activities on the doorstep.

While the options are varied, investing in a purpose-built retirement complex or village holds great advantages, especially as you get older and require more care and security, says Badenhorst.

Although retirement property is about carefree living rather than investment returns, Badenhorst cautions buyers to carefully consider the options and to seek professional guidance if necessary. Careful scrutiny of the type of scheme and associated costs are critical. There are essentially four property types – freehold (individual title), sectional title (apartments and semi-detached homes, some with small private gardens), share-block scheme and life rights – each quite intricate and governed by various legislation. Additional monthly costs for services, levies and the like may also apply.

A popular choice is the Cape Overberg, largely for its good infrastructure, scenic beauty and close proxim-

Hooggelegen in Worcester is a popular retirement option. ity to Cape Town and the coast. Here, you will find wonderful gems such as Greyton, a hamlet that lies inland, about 90-minutes’ drive from Cape Town, says agent, Terry Marchant.

It is surrounded by the Riviersonderend mountains, is a naturelover’s paradise and offers a wonderful lifestyle. The new Greyton Life development offers a choice of spacious twobedroomed sectional title units

priced upwards of R600 000 that come with an open-plan lounge and kitchen. Facilities include medical and frail care, dining options and leisure options such as a club house and bowling green. Also in the area, is the Greyton Country Village where twobedroomed units start at about R1,5 million.

Bredasdorp, about two-and-a-halfhour’s drive from Cape Town, is yet

another popular choice, says agent, Elaine Beyers. It boasts excellent infrastructure and a choice of retirement villages. The new Grace Haven development here offers excellent medical and frail care along with meal options and fully-serviced homes priced from just under R500 000 for a one-bedroomed sectional title unit and just under R600 000 for a two-bedroomed unit.

The village is within walking distance of churches, the library and other facilities of the town.

Hermanus is a sought-after coastal choice, says Reon van der Merwe.

Laid-back, yet under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, it boasts superb infrastructure, medical care and leisure activities. It is also the best place to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Southern Right Whale that visits Walker Bay from June onwards.

There are a number of retirement villages here with small sectional-title units, priced upwards of R600 000 to houses in the new Negester Retirement development in Onrus that cost upwards of R1,8 million for a two-bedroomed home with a garage and garden. Ideal for over 50s, the development enjoys a stunning setting and residents also have access to medical care, meal options and more.

The Cape Winelands and Boland with its scenic villages, vineyards and olive groves is yet another aspirational choice. Here, Worcester is a popular option, says agent, Gideon Smaller. With its picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and the Breede and Hex rivers flowing on either side, the village is only about eighty minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The new Hooggelegen Retirement Village offers a mix of options ranging from small sectionaltitle units that start at R500 000 and two bedroomed houses with small gardens that cost upwards of about R1,2 million. Residents enjoy stunning mountain views, medical care and of course the many facilities on offer in the village.

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Foreign land owners create jobs and housing Media reports have publicized the fact that the hot political potato of foreigners owning land in South Africa is once again about to be brought before Parliament, and this time most of the “reforms” – possibly all – will probably get the approval of the house.

The new draft bill proposes, among other things, that: ) Ownership of land by foreigners now be “limited” or “regulated” by replacing ownership for non-South Africans with long term leases and by limiting the amount of land such people can own in South Africa; ) South African citizens should be given priority access to all land owning, particularly that released by the state; and ) more land should be made available for land reform.

Commenting on this draft legislation, Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, repeated a warning that he made previously when this subject was raised.

“I and most of the senior spokespeople in the South African property world agree that proposals of this kind give a very bad impression to those who are planning to invest here. How can one say to a foreigner, ‘we welcome any capital that you care to put into our industry or commerce, but we will regulate you

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in one way or another if you want a home here or would prefer to own rather than to rent your work premises’?”

Ironically, said Rawson, the new bill also proposes that South Africa “creates an environment which is encouraging to foreign investment”.

This, he said, will not be the case if the proposals in the new legislation are accepted.

Rawson said that many years of experience in selling homes to such people has shown him that people from overseas who buy a holiday or retirement home in South Africa often end up investing here in some form of business or on the JSE Securities Exchange.

“Quite apart from the fact that every seven visitors to South Africa create one new job, home ownership in South Africa has time and again led to a beneficial involvement in other spheres here,” said Rawson.

In his view, he added, it is also “wrong thinking” that foreign ownership leads to a smaller piece of the cake for locals.

“The more foreign buyers invest here, the more local builders are able to build new housing opportunities. This simple and very obvious fact has time and again been proved and is at the moment particularly evident in the Somerset West area, which in recent years has added greatly to its security estates partly as a result of its large English and German population.”

Quite apart from the fact that every seven visitors to South Africa create one new job, home ownership in South Africa has time and again led to a beneficial involvement in other spheres here.

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Stellenbosch property stock shortages The total number of properties sold in Stellenbosch in the first five months of this year is only half that sold for the same period in 2013, but the problem is a lack of stock rather than buyers.

This is according to Chris Cilliers, principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the Winelands, who says agents in the town are battling to source enough stock to service the current demand.

According to Western Cape property sales aggregation website, Propstats, property valued at approximately R27 million has changed hands in Stellenbosch proper since the beginning of the year. This excludes sales in the rural surrounds. In the same period last year, sales to the value of some R50 million were concluded.

The average price of the properties sold has increased to R1,47 million in the first five months of this year, from R1,35 million for the same period in 2013.

While some properties have sold for around R20 000 per square metre, which is on a par with several Cape Town suburbs, many properties have sold for considerably less and the town still provides great value for investors, says Cilliers.

Lew Geffen, chairman of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says Stellenbosch is an excellent investment location largely because of Stellenbosch University.

“There are more than 25 000 students in this one small town, and only a fraction of them get bunks in residence. The rest have to find private accommodation, more than 95

Stellenbosch property is popular, but a lack of stock is problematic. percent of which is rented accommodation rather than parents buying apartments as many tend to do in Cape Town.

“Parents often buy flats in close proximity to the University of Cape Town because they use them as holiday homes when their children graduate, or they plan to keep them for retirement.

“The demographic is a little different in Stellenbosch, which

means it’s an investor’s dream.”

Cilliers says in Stellenbosch one can buy bachelor or small one bedroom flats that can accommodate two students, for R450 000 and upwards.

Bigger two or three bedroom flats will sell for around R1 million to R1,5 million, depending on their condition and proximity to the campus. Walking distance is, of course, prime investor real estate.

The rental market for luxury houses is also exceptional in the town, because several international corporations are headquartered there.

“Most big multinationals rent properties for their international senior executives, who spend anything from a few months to a couple of years in South Africa at any one time.

“It means there’s a continually

circulating, healthy-sized pool of international clients needing secure, upmarket accommodation.”

Our biggest problem at the moment is a lack of sale stock, says Cilliers. “We’d like to see the market far more fluid than it is now. People are holding onto their properties hoping to see prices rise, but we’re running the risk of the market stagnating and that’s never a good thing in a small town.”

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021 841 4285

021 887 2840 021 870 4600

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Paarl medical offering on the increase Construction on the second phase of a successful medical facility in Paarl, due for completion in September this year, has commenced and will comprise a state-of-the-art oncology centre and subacute facility.

The existing property is currently fully let and is predominantly occupied by Cure Day Clinic which currently offers three minor theatres and 30 beds, national renal care and well-known gastroenterologist, Dr Stephen Schmidt and Ampath.

The medical centre, which was developed

by Annenberg Property Group represented

by Dudley Annenberg in conjunction with Chianti Property Developers in 2012, currently offers excellent services which will be further enhanced by the addition of the oncology unit and a sub-acute facility.

Cure Day Clinic is a leading specialised ambulatory care facility that owes its success to offering affordable same-day surgery procedures in a high-tech medical facility.

The BEE group’s first clinic was opened in 2008 in Gauteng and it has since expanded to six clinics, including the Paarl branch.

The Paarl clinic is Cure Day’s first day

Front view of the day hospital in Northern Paarl. hospital in the Western Cape and it has three theatres and 30 beds in a modern, aesthetically pleasing environment. Well established with good management and corporate governance, the group has already secured licences to open clinics in

Pietermaritzburg, Wilgeheuwel, Blaauwberg, Somerset West (under construction), Bellville, Bloemfontein (under construction) and Polokwane.

Nedbank has been involved with this development since the beginning when we fa-

cilitated the primary loan of R18 million for the first stage, says Richard Thomas, regional executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, Cape.

Thomas says that the bank has further funded the company close to R32 million for expansion into this next phase.

Ditau Health Solutions has been procured as a tenant and will occupy 736 square metres with a ten-year lease commencing in July 2014.

Ditau offers a myriad of health services to government and the private sector that focuses on improving access to quality health care on the African continent.

The company was founded by Dr. Litlhakanyane in 2011 and provides health care infrastructure, health advisory services, social infrastructure, medical equipment manufacturing and health facilities management. Headquartered in Johannesburg, they are looking to establish a presence in the Western Cape.

“Obtaining affordable and quality medical care is a priority for South Africans and this cutting edge medical facility and its expansion will further benefit the people of Paarl and the Western Cape.

From old prison to new development The historical old prison in the Berg River Boulevard in Paarl is being developed into an upmarket residential development.

Work has started on The Avenues in one of the most sought-after living areas in Paarl.

With land for residential development in Paarl at a premium, The Avenues provides a rare opportunity to realise the dream of stress-free country living. It is located in a quiet and established area of town – within

walking distance of the CBD, schools, sport fields and main commuter routes to Cape Town and surrounding Boland towns.

The Avenues will consist of 35 duplex units, each with two bedrooms and its own garden. The site is completely enclosed with secure access, and there are three layout options to choose from.

At prices starting from R1 195 000 it will suit everyone’s needs.

An architectural impression of how The Avenues will look on completion.

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SPECIAL REPORT: 2 000 KM WITH ISUZU’S POWERFUL KB

Road test : Gone hunting with Isuzu’s KB FRANS LE ROUX Hold on, before you say anything. I know the latest Isuzu KB is by no means ‘new’. It is however only my second chance to sample the true bakkie-specialists’ latest offering.

Just over a year ago, I spent a couple of days testing a white KB300 LX in and around the Western Cape. After some extensive gravel road usage I was convinced about its capabilities.

With this in mind, I was looking for a vehicle to test on my recent hunting expedition. After searching far and wide for a suitable long distance tester, the friendly staff at Thorp Paarl gave me the keys to a top-spec KB300 LX 4x4 doublecab. With only 5 000 km on the clock - the bakkie was still as good as new.

On a rainy Saturday morning I picked up my bronze-coloured Isuzu and excitedly hit the long road to Prieska. Prieska is significant for me and my family because we have been visiting family there for close on 30 years.

This year however, was different in the sense that I felt we had the perfect companion for this unforgiving terrain.

We left Paarl and headed for Ceres where we would later linkup with the N1 just outside Touwsriver. The road to Touwsriver is beautiful and should be experienced by more people. Strong winds made the winding road more tricky, but the KB felt surefooted along the way.

The latest KB uses a strong and trusted 3,0 F 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which produces 130 kW and 380 Nm. In current ‘bakkie’

terms, these figures are on par. Isuzu however, still uses a 5-speed gearbox, but thanks to taller gearing the KB’s fuel consumption is really impressive. My overall figure for the entire trip was 10,1 F/100 km.

Continuing on the N1, nightfall approached at some speed. Our overnight destination was Beaufort West and while driving at night I was impressed by the KB’s headlights. They offered crisp lighting in a very dark Karoo night. Cruising at highway speeds, levels of wind noise were low while Isuzu’s distinct engine noise was well muffled.

Early on Sunday morning we ventured further into the Northern Cape where cellular reception is scarce. While heading towards Victoria West, we made our first fuel stop. After a quick 65 F of diesel, the KB was filled to the brim.

On this stretch the 5-speed bakkie returned figures of just over 10 F/100 km. Take into consideration that the KB weighs 2 tons, and it only has 5 gears. I had to doublecheck and pull out the trusty calculator. These are highly impressive consumption statistics.

After we put some serious distance between us and the fairest Paarl, our final obstacle lay stretched in front of us. A long winding stretch of gravel was the only thing between us and some fun family hunting. Ninety kilometres of harsh Northern-Cape ‘stofpad’ was certainly no match for the powerful and stable Isuzu.

A short, steep, rutted mountain pass tried to scare the KB, but it just powered on.

Reaching the farm without any hiccups whatsoever, our week of hunting bliss was about to kick off.

The new Isuzu KB300 D-teq took me on a 2 000 km road trip with the utmost comfort. Visit your nearest Isuzu dealer and get behind the wheel of the latest KB. PHOTO: FRANS LE ROUX So far, after travelling close to 900 km, our KB300 performed admirably.

Fast forward six days and our trip back home is about to start.

If you know Northern Cape hospitality, there is no such thing as too much meat or too much of anything for that matter. After spending hours preparing our meat for its Paarl-voyage, we soon began to carefully construct a way of fitting everything in the back of our KB. For the bakkie-haters among us, the versatility a double cab bakkie offers you is unmatched in the vast motoring world. Because of the KB’s good ground clearance and massive rear seating quarters, almost everything you own can fit into the back. If you have done the impossible of filling the cargo area, you can still fit three

adults in the back. Thanks to low slung seats and a higher roofline, even the tallest of occupants had a comfortable experience.

Meat and bags packed, we grabbed our hunting equipment and headed back to Paarl. The only adjustment needed on the KB was some more air in the rear tyres.

This is something everyone should pay attention to, especially if you weigh down the back when loading.

The trip home went by quickly and effortlessly. I was expecting a slow and tiresome trip due to all the weight but to my surprise it felt the same. The KB powered on and took us home without any increase in fuel consumption or decreased lack of comfort.

My conclusion came after we

unloaded the bakkie after our ten hour trip. I was amazed and convinced that for the first time in 20 years we took the best ‘weapon’ on our annual hunting trip. The ruggedness offered by the Isuzu KB is unrivalled. To top it all, I would have to say that the trip was more comfortable than I could ever imagine from a bakkie.

Brand new this KB300 D-Teq LX 4x4 manual would set you back R473 400. This demo model is now selling for R429 995.

Isuzu offers a brilliant 5 year/120 000 km warranty and a solid 5 year/90 000 km full service plan. This is substantially better than the top-selling Hilux.

For more information on any Isuzu, Chevrolet or Opel product, contact Thorp Paarl on 021 872 2101.

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Pop-star Chiano Sky receives brand new Audi A1 Limited Edition Singing sensation ChianoSky takes delivery of her new A1 R18 Le Mans Limited edition.

PHOTO: MOTORPRESS

MOTORPRESS In celebration of Audi’s rich sporting heritage and success at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2014, Audi South Africa is proud to hand over an Audi A1 R18 Le Mans Limited Edition to Audi Brand Ambassador, ChianoSky. The Audi A1 range represents all of the virtues of the Audi brand with its progressive design, uncompromising quality and ground-breaking efficiency, catering to its modern customer target market – a young, urban, lifestyle-oriented individual ChianoSky’s mix of jazzy pop has seen her racing up the airplay charts in South Africa, showcasing her as one of South Africa’s most exciting, fresh and talented discoveries. She released her first album in July 2012 which received five nominations at the 2013 South African Music Awards, and is poised for further local and international success in 2014 and 2015.

ChianoSky was appointed in January 2014 as the Audi Brand Ambassador for the Audi A1 range.

The A1 R18 Le Mans Limited Edition was introduced in February 2014 in anticipation of the 2014 Le Mans race in June. The Audi A1 R18 Le Mans Edition includes key styling elements from the R18 Le Mans racing car which has been adapted and translated to enhance the Audi A1. The package includes the following equipment: .17-inch cast aluminium wheels in 5-Vspoke titanium look design. .Competition Kit front spoiler and side sills .Rear diffuser and Competition Kit rear roof spoiler. .Sport tail pipes. .R18 decals in red or grey. .Exterior mirrors in Ice Silver or Misano Red. .Air vents, centre console, rear-view mirror, floor mats and door handles in decorative R18 Le Mans design.

The Audi A1 range was introduced to South Africa in 2011 and has been hugely successful with more than 7 400 vehicles sold in South Africa since its introduction.

Only 100 units of the Audi A1 R18 Le Mans Limited Edition were allocated to South Africa, with a limited number available globally.

The Audi A1 range is priced from R 241 000 and is available as standard with the 5 year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan. For more information about the Audi A1, visit www.audi.co.za.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

7 Augustus, 2014

27

Etios crosses over to the wild side QUICKPIC Combining the rugged good looks of an SUV with the fluent drive, fuel efficiency and maneuverability of a hatch, the all-new Toyota Etios Cross is ready to write another chapter in this budget beater’s success story.

In less than two years, Etios has racked up sales in excess of 45 000 units and in the process has become entrenched in the South African automotive lexicon, regularly charting on the top three bestseller’s list.

Etios can claim a number of ‘bests’, including taking the title for top-selling sub-B segment sedan as well as being Toyota South Africa’s best-selling passenger car range. In fact, such is the success of Etios (currently sitting at close to 30% of the sub-B passenger car market) that Toyota has been able to recapture much of the Tazz sales volume that it enjoyed prior to the discontinuation of that model in 2007.

Much of the success of Etios can be attributed to five main factors: 1. Engine performance – a major purchase driver for Etios is its engine size. Boasting a 16-valve DOHC 1,5 F engine, all models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Outputs are pegged at 66 kW of power @ 5 600 rpm and 132 Nm of torque @ 3 000 rpm. This translates into a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 11,3 seconds for all models including the new Cross. An excellent power to weight ratio also contributes to its sparkling performance.

2. Fuel consumption – despite the bigger capacity powerplant and the impressive performance, the Etios still returns a laudable average consumption of just 6,0F/100 km.

3. Space – the rear seat can be

Thanks to a raft of body and cabin modifications and embellishments, the new Etios Cross allows buyers to tap into the tough image of an SUV without incurring the cost.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC classified as a true 3-seater due to its expanded flat design which maximises space, and improves ease of entry and exit for 3 adults.

The rear floor is also flat, maximising the space for the passenger in the middle seat. In addition, the Etios boasts a multitude of practical interior storage spaces including seven cup holders that can accommodate 1 F sized bottles as well as a 13 F glove box with a cooling function. The sedan features a bestin-class boot capacity of 562 litres.

4. Peace of Mind – it’s a Toyota and that means that Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) are a given. Backing this up is a full complement of safety kit including ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and an immobiliser.

5. Affordable price – the Etios is

still one of the most competitively priced vehicle ranges. Prices start from R127 800 for the Etios Xi hatch (with air con), topping out at R159 800 for the new Etios Cross.

It’s worth noting too that Etios has benefited from continuous refinement of the package.

Thanks to a raft of body and cabin modifications and embellishments, the new Etios Cross allows buyers to tap into the tough image of an SUV without incurring the cost. With the focus firmly on practicality and efficiency, the Cross is just as user-friendly as its standard brethren but with the added robust appeal of a crossover.

The new Etios Cross is based on the Xs hatch, which is generously endowed when it comes to specifications.

• The masculine face of Etios Cross comes courtesy of a distended new grille design in matt black incorporating an unusual powder grey grille guard that extends all the way into the bumpers, mimicking the appearance of bumper overriders.

• The chunky anthracite front bumper is further enhanced by oversized fog lamps with integrated turn indicators and accented in a grey frame. The Etios Cross also gets a ribbed front scuff plate – once again in powder grey.

• Completing the front end is a revised headlight cluster with a fuller design which melds better with the new grille.

• In profile, the Etios Cross gets the full “off road” treatment in the form of black cladding (with em-

bossed Etios Cross logos) which extends halfway up the doors. Silver shaded accent garnishes adorn the lip of the cladding.

• Prominently protruding matt black over fenders clad the wheelarches, providing visual continuity and further amping up the newcomer’s ‘SUV’ persona.

• Re-designed side mirrors feature turn indicators.

• Bringing up the rear, the back door gets a stylish garnish strip with embossed Etios Cross logo.

Mirroring the frontal treatment, the rear likewise gets a new matt black bumper with a trapezoidal silver grey, ribbed scuff plate. The tail lights are also unique to the Cross and feature prominent ‘puzzle piece’ reverse light lenses.

• Final touches to further beef up the Etios Cross include a roof spoiler, multi-spoke diamond-cut 15” alloys and a set of roof rails also finished in the de rigeur powdery silver. The latter are fully functional and able to support 50 kg of luggage or even a bicycle.

• Two new colours are exclusive to the Etios Cross - Inferno Metallic (a vivid orange) and Jet Grey Metallic.

Key interior features (over and above the Xs grade) • Inside, the Cross edition gets all-black interiors with new sporty seat fabrics featuring special white stitching and embroidered Etios Cross logos.

• A tech-enhanced, upgraded double din audio system – as with the unit found on Xs models, this system comes with USB and AUXin ports but adds extra functionality in the form of Bluetooth to facilitate hands-free mobile phone operation.

• To further uplift the cabin appeal the dashboard receives piano black metallic finishing and chrome detailing around the air vents.

28

Donderdag

7 Augustus, 2014

Frugal Mitsubishi Mirage arrives in South Africa

QUICKPIC

Mitsubishi Motors, for the first time in South Africa, has entered the ever-popular A-Segment. The Mitsubishi Mirage ticks all the boxes for the supermini segment – great quality, generous specifications and minimal fuel consumption.

The Mirage builds on the success of the model line overseas, and has demonstrated exceptional sales in international markets.

Wynand Pretorius, Chief Operations Officer at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, comments: “The Mitsubishi brand is on a continuing renaissance in South Africa, and with the all-new Mirage we are opening our brand to a new buying audience who place affordability, quality and specification at the top of the buying decision. And, when everything else seems more expensive, to launch a superb value car like the Mirage with its big heart, makes perfect sense for the South African market.”

The new Mitsubishi Mirage enters the local market with the full might of the Mitsubishi brand behind it – a badge which signifies exceptional reliability, integrity and practicality from one of Japan’s foremost automotive manufacturers, and one which has produced some of the world’s most iconic vehicles.

“People know us for tremendous off-roaders and exceptional durability, and we are now set to attract a

new demographic to the Mitsubishi brand with our first-ever supermini. We know just how competitive the supermini segment is in South Africa and as such we have ensured that Mirage is aggressively priced to take the fight to more established marques in the segment.”

“We are launching Mirage with a very competitive R1 899 per month finance proposition which includes 12-month comprehensive insurance, making overall car ownership that much more affordable for younger buyers,” concludes Pretorius The five-door design also sees strong styling creases on the flanks met by either 14- or 15-inch wheels, and the pert rear end features a sassy design theme and characterful tail-light clusters.

Compact proportions – the Mirage is just 3,71 metres long – enhance manoeuvrability, as does the exceptionally tight, class-leading turning radius of just 4,6 metres.

The Mirage is powered by Mitsubishi’s surprisingly sprightly 1.2litre, 3-cylinder Dohc petrol engine.

The impressive power – 57 kW at 6 000 rpm – is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The 100 Nm of torque peaks at 4 000 rpm.

Average fuel economy on the combined cycle in the South African context is just 4,9 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.

The new Mirage is fitted with a 35-litre fuel tank which equates to potential range of over 700 km.

The new Mitsubishi Mirage range

is fronted by the new 1.2 Mivec GL, which includes standard equipment such as keyless entry, a radio/ CD audio system, colour-coded bumpers, a third rear brake light, electric power steering with a tiltadjustable steering wheel, a multiinformation display, front electric windows and manual air conditioning with a pollen filter.

Fourteen-inch steel wheels are available as well as a full-size spare.

The Mirage 1.2 Mivec GLX represents the mid-range model, adding a number of features to GL specification. These include a fuel-efficiency indicator in the instrument panel, 15-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare, colour-coded mirrors and door handles, electric side mirrors, a cheeky rear spoiler with integrated third brake light, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, an accessory socket and a USB port added to the audio system.

Topping the new Mirage range is the 1.2 Mivec GLS, which features keyless starting to complement the keyless entry, rear electric windows, auto up/down for the driver’s window with an anti-pinch function, fully automatic climate control and front fog lights.

All new Mitsubishi Mirage models are backed by Mitsubishi’s comprehensive 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are set at every 15 000 km, and a 2-year/ 30 000 km service plan is included in the retail price.

New Mitsubishi Mirage starts at only R124 900.

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

Average fuel economy on the combined cycle in the South African context is just 4,9-litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC