Boland Sold 21082014

21 AUGUSTUS

Paardevlei will launch its fibre network for high speed internet in September.

FIBRE NETWORK:THE SPEED OF A CHEETAH!

High speed Internet connection for P’vlei A fully scaleable open access fibre network officially launches at Paardevlei, Somerset West on 1 September, with the first clients already utilising this state of the art connectivity system.

Paardevlei, a mixed development of business, industrial and residential developments, managed by Paardevlei Properties (previously known as Heartland Properties) on behalf of AECI, spans some 730 hectares between Somerset Mall, Somerset West, Strand and False Bay. Regional manager Mark Bezencon, notes that just under two million square metres of bulk is designated for development at Paarde-

vlei.

Apart from numerous commercial and industrial entities already operating on site, two state of the art medical facilities are earmarked for completion by year’s end. For this already commercially established area, the addition of the fibre network adds immense value in terms of infrastructure. “Rand for rand fibre networks offer the most efficient, affordable and reliable connectivity technology available in South Africa, and are a must for any future driven business,” said Bezencon.

Paardevlei has entered into an agreement with Frogfoot Technologies to operate the network. According to Frogfoot project manager,

Hannes Pieterse, the network has been designed to carry future demand for a completely developed mixed-use node. He said fibre networks are also the most highly available. “Chances of going offline are therefore very close to zero.”

The network has two routes back to Cape Town where it physically terminates at the Teraco Data Centre, the largest vendor-neutral data centre in the country. This provides a number of advantages for consumers. Firstly, explains Pieterse, it ensures a very quick turnaround for those wishing to connect. “Users can be connected to the system within less than a month of signing contracts.” In addition, the fibre net-

work’s circular route “creates geographical diversity, meaning there will always be two routes for connecting to the grid, ensuring constant connectivity.” Connection to the data centre is also a great advantage for businesses with branches in Johannesburg or Durban, since they can all link up directly via the highly reliable fibre network. Because the network is open access, companies and private users will also not be tied into using one service provider exclusively, leaving them freedom to negotiate.

Fibre is the fastest and most efficient connectivity technology currently available. States Pieterse, “comparing 3G mobile technology,

or WiFi or ADSL technologies to the lightning fast speeds provided by fibre networks is rather like comparing a cheetah’s speed with that of a tortoise. Now Paardevlei boasts something much faster even than the cats at the Cheetah Outreach Trust!”

The fibre network offers users quadruple play services, which include seamless Internet speeds, extremely high quality voice calls, real time video and other low latency services such as gaming and online trading. “It’s a must-have for any future-minded business, while simultaneously offering private residents with fantastic, high speed and hassle free connectivity,” states Bezencon.

2

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

Districtmail

HELDERBERG

21 Augustus, 2014

3

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

4

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

Districtmail

HELDERBERG

21 Augustus, 2014

City welcomes small-scale electricity generation The City of Cape Town has set itself a target to source 10% of its electricity from renewable energy resources by 2020 and the rollout of the small-scale embedded generation tariff supports this goal.

“Simply put, those residents and businesses that generate their own electricity through alternative renewable energy resources will soon have the option of feeding a limited amount of surplus generation back into the grid, for which there will be an off-set against their electricity accounts,” said the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille.

In a pilot project, a small number of residential, industrial and commercial consumers have already connected rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation to the City’s electricity grid.

However, conventional metering installations do not allow for a twoway flow of electricity and the City, for over a year now, has been in search of a solution that will allow consumers to feed power back into the grid and to receive an off-set for doing so.

This has been a complex process as numerous factors have had to be addressed, including: the establishment of suitable tariffs; identifica-

tion of suitable metering systems which can measure power flow in two directions; and the implementation of automated billing systems which take into account both the purchase and sale of electricity.

The implementation of the smallscale embedded generation (SSEG) tariffs will make it legally possible to feed electrical power back into the municipal grid.

Consumers who wish to feed SSEG electricity into the municipal electricity grid will be required to have a bidirectional advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) credit meter installed by the City at their own cost and take their electricity

supply at the appropriate SSEG tariff.

“Most SSEG projects generate electricity from renewable sources like the sun and wind. South Africa is blessed with sunshine and the City is embracing SSEG technology to assist with the country’s acute power supply. By doing so, we are assisting businesses and households to minimise their own electricity consumption from the grid,” De Lille said.

Consumers who generate their own electricity are not always able to consume all of the generated electricity immediately and will now be able to receive an off-set against the

5

cost of their electricity purchases for excess electricity fed back into the municipal grid.

One of the major advantages to consumers is that they can generate electricity for their own use without having to invest in expensive batteries to provide electricity after the sun has set or after the wind has stopped blowing.

Prior to the publication of the guidelines, interested parties are encouraged to contact the City for further information.

Please send an email to green.electricity@capetown.gov.za or power@capetown.gov.za

6

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

7

8

Districtmail

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

21 Augustus, 2014

‘Flipping’ easier in residential market There are many people, or investors, in the property market who strive to make money by flipping a property, or buying and selling properties within a short space of time. This can be very rewarding, but it comes with a high level of risk, especially in the office property market.

This is according to Org Geldenhuys, MD of property development and management company, Abacus Divisions. “Lots of people buy property in the hope that it will increase, enabling them to flip the property by selling it in the short term, and, in so doing, make a healthy profit. But this is speculation, which can obviously be risky.”

Buying and then quickly selling a property at a higher price is only viable if you are astute enough to buy the property at a price that is below the market value, or if the market is buoyant and prices are in an upward spiral.

Timing is often the key issue – and this can determine whether there is sufficient demand for the property from buyers.

It is also easier to follow this methodology in the residential property than in the commercial property sector. One of the reasons for this is the cost of entry.

In the residential market a buyer could get away with spending as little as R1 million. But the ticket prices and the point of entry are far higher in the commercial sector.

“If you want to speculate in the com-

mercial property market you would arguably be looking at several million rands, and not just one or two.

The buyer would then have to come up with a 30% deposit and find a tenant, or tenants, who receive the bank’s approval. If the bank thinks that the tenant is not in a solid financial position themselves, the bond could be declined. This makes speculation a lot tougher in the commercial property space,” says Geldenhuys.

But investors can also adopt a speculative approach if they build for their own purposes to occupy the building as an owner/occupier. By doing this, the investor also leaves the door open for selling at a later stage, either in the short term, or in the medium to long term.

“A person’s asset base can be improved if they buy, or buy and build, in the right place – like a secure office park. It is likely that the value of the property would increase more in a sought-after office park, meaning the buyer could make a profit, whether he is an owner/occupier or someone who builds to rent.

“In either scenario the property could possibly be sold after a short period of time – in other words, flipped –, potentially realising a handsome profit for the owner.

Geldenhuys concludes: “Naturally, if the investor has a pile of cash in his pocket, speculation is a lot easier.

However, it is still possible to burn cash reserves if the wrong decisions are taken, if building maintenance is ignored, a tenant is lost, or if the market simply turns.”

Securing your property increases its value and desirability We all want to live in a safe environment. The safety of our family and our possessions is of paramount importance to every property owner. The recent increase in crimes relating to housebreaking and hijacking in the Helderberg area is of concern to all residents.

When communities stand together against crime they send a strong message to the perpetrators.

Increased vigilance and speedy reporting of suspicious situations assist Neighbourhood Watches and the police to act swiftly.

Buyers are aware that crime will always be a concern. It’s no surprise that, over the last two decades, the number of gated estates has increased dramatically.

Initially buyers may have resisted the “secure estate” lifestyle, stating additional levies and a reluctance to conform to additional rules and regulations as a deterrent.

Yet, when you come to weigh up the pros and cons it would seem that the benefits of added security are winning the battle.

This doesn’t mean that properties outside of estate are not in demand.

But what it does mean is that these buyers are keenly interested to know what security

Talking Property, by Steve Caradoc-Davies, principal of Harcourts Platinum measures are in place should a listing not be located in a gated village.

It is advisable to get an opinion and a quotation from more than one Security Company.

Weigh up your options and ensure your property has the best security you can afford.

Other simple measures that can be taken are to ensure you trim back trees and shrubs that overhang your boundary walls. Ensure that dark areas are well lit.

Do your gates close and lock properly? Do all your doors and windows lock securely?

From time to time carry out an inspection on your property to make sure that all your alarm sensors are in good working order, and covering the areas they are intended for.

It’s also a good habit to change your alarm codes from time to time in case they have been compromised. The same applies to passwords that you have with your alarm monitoring service.

Do you have a backup arrangement with your neighbours if anything goes wrong?

It’s not a bad idea for you and your neighbours to meet and discuss what you would do in certain situations. There is strength in numbers, and having an emergency plan may come in handy one day when you least expect it.

Give the issue of security some forethought and ensure you have done the best you can to secure your property and your loved ones. If and when you decide to list your property for sale, a discerning buyer will take note of the level of security your property offers.

This will add to the value of your property and increase its desirability. But most importantly of all, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you have done your very best to protect the ones you love.

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

9

10

Districtmail

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

21 Augustus, 2014

John Coetzee (left), one of the executive directors of Uvest, developers of Sitari Country Estate, chats with guests next to a large-scale model of this new suburb, at the recent launch event at Waterkloof Estate.

Sitari Country Estate sales now open Sitari Country Estate, set to become a trail-blazing R4 billion new suburb in the Helderberg basin, was officially launched at an event held at Waterkloof Estate on 31 July.

Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe, hoë-impak keuse vir die bemarking van eiendom in die Boland

District Mail – 021 841 4266

Eikestadnuus – 021 887 2840

Paarl Post – 021 870 4600

Master of Ceremonies, popular radio personality Ryan O’Connor of Kfm 94.5, told an array of invited guests from the financial, architectural and property-related industry what was on offer and what will be included in this unprecedented lifestyle offering.

Uvest Property Group are the property developers of Sitari Country Estate, and the launch sees the first phase of sales opening. “First phase sales officially started on 1 August, and since then we have been selling at an average rate of two to three properties per day. Our onsite sales centre officially opened on 16 August, where clients will be able to view our large-scale estate model and engage with our sales professionals, said John Coet-zee, one of the executive directors of Uvest.

There are three types of products on offer at Sitari Country Estate, the country plots, village homes and luxury apartments.

The country plots are the quintessential option for larger families, and offer the freedom to choose your own architect and builder from an accredited panel.

They are competitively priced from R530 000 to R987 000.

The Grand Olive luxury apartment

complex will consist of 69 units, which range from large studios of 53 m² to two bedroom, two bathroom apartments of 83 m² and three bedroom, two bathroom units of 122 m². All apartments feature top of the range fittings and finishes selected

by Uvest’s interior design firm. These include porcelain-tiled kitchen, dining and lounge areas and carpeted bedrooms; oven, hob and extractors by German appliance specialist Miele; grand bathrooms with walk-in showers, wall-hung toilets with Geberit systems; and taps by Grohe.

Details released at the launch include the fact that it will include an inspiring main gatehouse and office; an unparalleled 24/7 security solution; country clubhouse with restaurant, kids’ play zone, pool and day spa, revolutionary CrossfitTRF gym, a 22 hectare wetland with timber decks and bird hides, various play parks as well as a central park spine with windmill, gardens and water features, a 14 km cycle and running route, a Curro Castle (crèche) and Curro School (junior and high) catering for over 2 000 children from three months to high school; as well as a shopping centre, retirement village and medical centre.

Power Construction has already commenced with civil works and the first registrations are expected in mid-2015.

The development construction is set to roll out over the next seven years, and once complete there will be a total of 3 150 residential units with the coveted address of Sitari Country Estate.

BOLAND SOLD

Districtmail

HELDERBERG

Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland

21 Augustus, 2014

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

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

11

021 870 4600

12

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

HELDERBERG

Districtmail 21 Augustus, 2014

13

BOLAND SOLD

PAARL/WELLINGTON

Live for now, but plan for tomorrow While taking the step from renting to buying is very exciting, it is a major financial commitment that should not be entered into without the proper consideration, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/ MAX of Southern Africa. He notes that there are a number of essential aspects that should be carefully measured beforehand to ensure that the buyer is making the right decision and is purchasing a property that meets their needs both now and in the future.

“Buying a home is not a decision that will only affect the buyer’s financial well-being now - it will have ramifications in the future as well. That is why it is so important for a buyer to make an informed decision based on their life plans and what their criteria are at the moment and how their plans and needs could change over the next five to ten years,” says Goslett. “Making a rushed decision and purchasing a home that will not fit into your future plans could end up costing a lot more money in the long run. Property should be viewed as a long-term investment and, as such, decisions regarding property should be made with future goals and plans in sight.”

He notes that before a buyer goes out looking for a property, they need to sit down and de-

It is important to remember cide what features they cur- they may want a three bedroom rently need in a home and what home to have the space they that it is not just the bond refeatures they may need in the would need to grow. However, payments that should be taken future. Some things to consider if their budget only allows them into consideration as there are would be the number of bed- to purchase a two bedroom other costs involved in a proprooms and bathrooms, the need home, they could try and find erty transaction and homefor a garden or the number or a property with the space to ownership. These costs can add type of parking facilities. There build on and add the extra room up to a relatively large amount may also be special criteria at a later stage. While the home and it is essential to include such as energy-efficient fea- may not currently meet all the these when assessing affordatures, a swimming pool and requirements immediately, it bility.

According to Goslett, anothfireplace or wheel-chair acces- is important to find a home that can grow and change with your er essential aspect to consider sibility. is location. A property that has Goslett says that no matter needs,” explains Goslett.

He notes that regardless of everything the buyer needs but what type of housing a buyer chooses, they must have a clear the type of home the buyer de- is situated in the wrong locaidea of their needs today as well cides on purchasing, sustaina- tion is probably not going to be the right property to as their possible future buy. needs.

“Location is a key inAccording to Goslett fluencer when it comes every buyer will have to a home’s future intheir own unique revestment potential. It is quirements based on Buyers need to ensure that they far better to comprotheir life stage and what can afford and sustain the mise on the features of they have planned for the the home than on where future. For example, for necessary financial obligation it is located,” advises buyers planning to have Goslett. children, proximity to before making the commitment.

He notes that when good schools could be a priority, while older buyers bility is a key issue to home- looking at an area, buyers facing retirement might want ownership. “Buyers need to en- should consider the general upsomething further away from sure that they can afford and keep along with proximity to sustain the necessary financial amenities such as schools, medthe hustle and bustle.

Goslett says that when look- obligation before making the ical facilities and shopping cening to purchase a home that fits commitment. To precisely as- tres.

Goslett concludes by saying in with future plans there may sess this, a buyer can use the be certain financial restric- resources available to them that buyers who purchase a tions due to the buyer’s level of such as financial advisers, property in the right location affordability, so there could be banks and bond origination that meet both their short and aspects that the buyer might companies. This will give the long-term needs will be able to need to compromise on. “If the buyer estimated repayment fig- enjoy the benefits of an accombuyers are a young couple with ures based on bond require- modating home that grows in value over time. future plans of having a family, ments,” says Goslett.

‘‘

Paarl Post

21 Augustus, 2014

15

PAARL/WELLINGTON 16 Paarl Post Demand grows for homes at Pearl Valley Golf Estate

BOLAND SOLD

21 Augustus, 2014

The Pearl Valley Golf Estate enjoys an enviable location and lifestyle, a combination that is increasingly drawing upper income buyers according to Seeff’s agent for the estate, Elza Oberholzer.

Located about midway between Franschhoek and Paarl, the 212 ha award-winning estate is framed by the towering Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains and boasts spectacular views, top class security and outstanding facilities including a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

The estate comprises about 500 residential properties with a mix of freehold homes and 66 sectional title apartments. About 200 vacant plots are also still on offer. The freehold

properties around the golf course are on plots of 1 000 m² to 3 000 m² while plot sizes around the lake area range from 450 m² to 650 m². The apartments, known as Resort Lodges are also in the lake area and have between two and four bedrooms.

The estate’s lifestyle offering is enhanced by facilities that include a stunning clubhouse with a golf shop, restaurant and bar, lounge and conference facilities. Then, there is also a spa and gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, cricket nets, boule courts and equestrian facilities.

The children’s play areas and hiking, running and cycling trails add to the superb lifestyle on offer.

In terms of the performance of the estate,

about 140 sales to the value of just under R500 million have been recorded here over the last five years. Activity has also strengthened year-on-year. Last year for example, about 33 properties sold, about 80% more than the 18 sales of 2009, Oberholzer says.

With an average price of around R5,6 million and a highest price achieved of just over R15 million, the estate ranks amongst the top golf estates in the country.

Current rental rates are excellent and range from about R11 900 at the bottom end to R30 000 per month for a top-end home.

Holiday demand is also strong and the agent says that fully furnished homes cur-

The beautiful Lake Homes at Pearl Valley.

rently on offer for rent are already fully booked until the end of March 2015.

Prices for the apartments start at around R2,5 million for two bedrooms and range to around R3,3 million for four bedrooms.

Mid-sized houses sell for upwards of R4,2 million for three bedrooms to just under R7 million for a luxurious four bedroomed home with loads of extras.

Top end homes though can range up to R22,5 million, says Oberholzer.

Vacant plots around the lake area sell for upwards of R950 000 while the larger plots around the golf course cost upwards of about R1,9 million.

BOLAND SOLD

STELLENBOSCH

Eikestadnuus 21 Augustus, 2014

17

18

Eikestadnuus 21 Augustus, 2014

SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND

BOLAND SOLD

STELLENBOSCH

Eikestadnuus 21 Augustus, 2014

19

Tougher Ranger unveiled for Second Odyssey Challenge QUICKPIC To coincide with the 2014 Ranger Odyssey off-road challenge, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has unveiled a new, limited edition version of the locally-built Ranger that will be available from mid-August until the end of September 2014.

The inaugural Ranger Odyssey challenge in 2013 saw ten finalists setting up camp and driving in some of Africa’s most gruelling environments. Contestants embarked on an action-packed cross-continent adventure, with only the toughest progressing to the final rounds.

“We set out to find the hardiest contestants to take on Africa’s most demanding conditions,” says Gavin

Golightly, marketing manager at FMCSA. “We wanted a personality that was as tough as the Ranger itself.”

In September, this year’s Ranger Odyssey competitors will get to experience the most testing terrain that Namibia has to offer over 12 days, 13 stages, and 2 500 kilometres.

One team of two people will each win the opportunity to drive an Odyssey Ranger vehicle for a year, along with a R5 000/month fuel allowance.

To offer Ranger fans the opportunity of having their own “odysseys”, Ford has built the limited-edition Odyssey Ranger. This double-cab, off-road-ready version of Ford’s popular bakkie will be fitted, as standard, with an accessory pack that includes a snorkel, allowing drivers to

cross deeper bodies of water without endangering the engine, as well as a steel bullbar to protect the front end of the vehicle, and a diff guard to protect its running gear.

“This year the general public will get a chance to drive their own Odyssey Ranger,” says Golightly.

“We’ve taken the toughest Ranger on offer – the XL-Plus, built to withstand punishing mining environments – and given it a Bushveld makeover.”

Other extras fitted to the Odyssey Ranger also include a rubberised load box to deal with the most gruelling demands, and black 17-inch alloy wheels that complement the vehicle’s tough appearance.

The Odyssey Ranger is based on the mine-hardened XL-Plus model, recently unveiled by FMCSA at the Go Further event in Johannesburg.

Improvements here include a corrosion-treated, uprated frame that allows for a 3 500 kg towing capacity; frontdrive shaft joints designed to cope with extreme mud environments; and stone protection for the rear suspension.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

In addition to the off-road accessories buyers will also benefit from the uprated components and heavy-duty design implemented in the XL-Plus.

Improvements here include a corrosion-treated, uprated frame that allows for a 3 6500 kg towing capacity; front-drive shaft joints designed to cope with extreme mud environments; and stone protection for the rear suspension.

Power is provided by the 2.2litre Duratorq engine built at the Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth. It produces 110 kW at 3 700 rpm, and 375 Nm between 1 500 and 2 500rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission,

a locking rear differential, as well as a transfer case offering high- and low-range four-wheel drive, this limited edition Ranger will be able to conquer the tough roads that competitors will encounter in the Odyssey competition.

Pricing for the double-cab model, including the Odyssey accessory pack, is recommended at R415 750 including VAT. All Ranger derivatives come with a comprehensive 4-year / 120 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 kms service plan with service intervals of 15 000 km.

Customers will also benefit from 3-years of roadside assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty as part of the Ford Ranger package.

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

21 Augustus, 2014

21

22 Kia reveals first official photos of Sorento Donderdag

21 Augustus, 2014

QUICKPIC First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today show that the third generation of the popular SUV features a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.

Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.

With the brand’s hallmark design

features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognisable as a Sorento. The new look is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine,

California design studios.

The front of the new Sorento features a larger, more upright ‘tigernose’ grille, with a three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, sweptback headlamps.

The lower roofline, higher beltline and muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

The sleeker look is enhanced by an increase in length (+95 mm to 4 780 mm)* and a 15 mm reduction in height (down to 1 685 mm), while the 80 mm longer wheelbase (now 2 780 mm) ensures more passenger space in all three seat rows.

Soon-Nam Lee, vice-president of overseas marketing, Kia Motors Corp, said, “While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response.” The all-new Kia Sorento will make its European premiere on Thursday, 2 October, at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

BOLAND SOLD

AUTO

Donderdag

21 Augustus, 2014

BMW 420i Coupe: the prettier twin HANJO STIER BMW recently announced two new ranges, the 2-Series and 4-Series. These follow in the footsteps of other even-numbered models to designate coupé and cabriolet vehicles. With the bizarre exception of gran coupés, this makes a lot of sense and we keenly welcomed a 420i to our test fleet.

The 4-Series is essentially a twodoor 3-Series, much like any new 2Series is based on the 1-Series. Sharing everything from platforms to interior components, you wouldn’t be wrong to view a 420i as the 320i’s prettier twin. Something for childless purveyors of fine design and elegant touring.

It’s not exactly good value when BMW charges you about R67 500 to remove the two rear doors but the resulting shape is just so graceful.

Slightly longer, a bit lower with a beautiful window-line and big doors, you’re trading space (the 445F boot is 35F smaller than in a 3-Series) for elegance.

Most comparable dimensions of a 420i interior are also down on its four-door siblings but front passengers can remedy that by moving their seats towards the unoccupied rear. Should you wish to use the rear bench, be advised that space is slightly limited for two adults; even more so if they’re tall or bring a friend.

The cabin layout is also similar to the donor sedan yet it shows the same amount of extra streamlining and style as the 420i’s exterior.

Someone noted that the centre air

The cabin layout is also similar to the donor sedan yet it shows the same amount of extra streamlining and style as the 420i’s exterior.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC vents looked like nasty plastic but I couldn’t agree – all modern BMWs have qualitative materials and what seems like a durable level of craftsmanship.

Should stylish design not be enough to extract your extra investment, BMW sweetens the 4-Series with additional luxury and convenience features over and above standard items such as auto (Xenon) lights and wipers, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and driver aids like ABS and stability control.

Other goodies such as 18-inch alloys, chrome trim, ambient lighting and fancy door sills can be found in the various options packages, our test car being a Luxury Line. Finished in metallic dark blue, everyone took great delight at how well it contrasted the caramel brown and black leather trim of the cabin.

BMW SA offers many more options and fitted almost all of them to this vehicle. The ones I was quite fond of and highly recommend are keyless access (R7 200), head-up display (R14 500), Harman/Kardon

sound system (R9 800) and the big daddy hard-drive navigation system (R22 200).

Another recommendation is the 8speed Steptronic automatic gearbox with Driving Experience Control.

This system lets you adjust the car’s performance, steering, and damping response to Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport. The difference it makes to the car’s character is quite profound and each setting has its own merits. Eco Pro encourages frugal driving while Comfort is best suited to this stylish cruiser; despite the

23

front end bottoming out quite quickly. Select Sport mode and the 420i becomes wide-eyed and busy-tailed, the diluted traction control teaming up with harder steering and damping to provide additional driving enjoyment. The steering wheel’s central hub obscures some of the instruments and a set of shift paddles would’ve been nice, yet that BMW gear lever provides tip shifting and even works in the correct manner: forwards for down, backwards for up. For the occasional spurt of naughtiness in a classy cruiser, it works just fine.

Providing just enough fire power for such wickedness is the 2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivering maximum figures of 135 kW or 270 Nm to reach 100 km/h in 7,3 seconds (we achieved 7,8) or 236 km/h. Claimed average consumption from the 60F tank is 6F/100 km and CO2 emissions just 144 g/km.

In town, our 420i helped itself to 9F/100 km, while careful highway cruising yielded about 7. All testers found that these figures are highly variable depending on your driving style and the selected mode. Another thing we all agreed on is that the 420i is something BMW and the 3-Series can be proud of.

This car is a stylish, entry-level petrol coupé with seatbelt butlers and the good kind of multiple personality disorder.

Prices start at R479 000 for a standard manual 420i, this Luxury Line Steptronic costing R514 400 without options. BMW includes a 5-year/ 100 000 km motor-plan as well.

Galimoto Media

24

Donderdag

21 Augustus, 2014

SOLD AUTO BOLAND

Cleaning tips for your car CLEANING AFRICA So there you are, Saturday afternoon and the mother-in-law calls to ask you to drive her to her bridge club.

You’re just back from the muddy car bush and your car’s wearing six inches of custom mud.

And worst of all, Cleaning Africa’s closed!

Don’t panic. Here are some useful carcleaning tips we’ve discovered for these unexpected emergencies – but please, use with caution, and at your own risk.

To clean upholstery – use mild, soapy water (eg Sunlight dishwashing liquid) and a soft brush. Vacuum up any excess water with a Wet-Vac. For hard-to-reach corners – use earbuds and toothpicks.

For shiny-clean dashboard and vinyl – wipe over with furniture polish on a soft cloth.

For little paintwork scratches – rub over with a wax crayon in the same colour as your paintwork and buff off any residue with a soft cloth. Works well with key scratches too.

Greasy, grimy windscreen? Pour a bottle of soda water over it and use a squeegee to wipe off excess.

For blunt wiper blades – sharpen both sides with an emery board.

Out of car wax? Furniture polish should shine it up just as well.

For dirty hubcaps – scrub with soda bicarb and a wet brush then hose off with water.

And lastly, use these tips to make the interior of your car smell fresh and clean. Refresh any existing air fresheners with a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Spray the interior with a quick burst of air freshener.

Put a sheet or two of tumble dryer softener sheets under the seats.

Cover any bad spills/odours with ground-up coffee beans and leave for a few days before vacuuming up. Smells should be gone, or at least smell a whole lot better. Sprinkling the carpets with bicarbonate of soda and vacuuming up a few days later also works a treat. http://www.cleaningafrica.co.za/ 2011/07/27/sos-car-cleaning-tips/