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EXCELLENT FINANCIAL RETURNS:UNCOMPROMISED VIEWS
Significant investment potential excites Fairhaven’s owner builders The first property owners at Fairhaven Country Estate have commenced with construction of their family homes in this upmarket lifestyle development. Fairhaven is located on the slopes of the Helderberg at the end of the popular Bizweni Road, Somerset West. Thanks to an enticing combination of prime location, excellent management services, state of the art security, fantastic panoramic views (over False Bay) and signature landscaping, Fairhaven has been earmarked as an excellent choice for those seeking the combination of a serene lifestyle coupled with excellent financial returns. Both parties report that they are thrilled to have purchased plots in a product currently regarded as one of the region’s most competitive property investments. Commenting on the estate’s investment potential, the De Villiers family, whose home is scheduled for completion in December 2014, remarked: “We feel very fortunate to have secured a spot here. We were among the first to buy, and have already noticed a significant return on investment on our plot alone.” Spanya Plank, who also recently began building a dream home at Fairhaven Country Estate with her husband, Leonard, agrees. “We’re delighted by our choice for a home and as long term financial investment. We feel that there’s a steady almost day-to-day growth in value of our property. And the building process has been so smooth and easy thanks to the all round professionalism one encounters here. GEMS, the estate management team at Fairha-
Serah Du Toit of GEMS Property Management (far left) and Zane De Decker of Proventus Property with property owner Spanya Plank and her daughter in law, Lynne Plank, at the site of their new home at Fairhaven Country Estate. ven, offer us five star service.” The De Villiers family agrees: “During the registration and transfer process of the plot, we were kept very well informed on occurrences by the estate legal team at Miller, Bosman & Le Roux. On the whole, our experience while planning, designing and building our home has been com-
pletely positive. The professional teams at Proventus Property and GEMS Property Management are always very friendly and helpful.” GEMS specialises in providing turnkey management services for gated communities, striving to add value to properties through efficient management. South Africa’s
two best performing mid-priced suburbs over the past three years have been Durbanville’s Avalon Estate – boasting with a jaw dropping 81% increase in price – and Somerset West’s Schonenberg Estate – with a 63% increase. Both developments were managed by GEMS at the time. The company’s Johan Ger-
ber says they aim to apply the same management philosophy at Fairhaven to ensure similar growth in value, which augers well for investors. When asked what attracted them most to Fairhaven Country Estate, Spanya Plank observed: “We feel that here we really have it all. Owning a home here offers us a sense of freedom and a real country lifestyle. We have the sea on our doorstep, and the views from our home are spectacular. And best of all, because of the higher location nothing can interfere with them. They’re here to stay! You don’t get better than this.” Plank also highlighted the estate’s excellent security features as a major draw card. Fully customised security fencing in conjunction with CCTV, biometric access control and incident management systems have been provided by leading security specialists Fang, who are renowned for some of the highest quality perimeter security system hardware available internationally, and also for developing the most advanced computerised, centralised security management systems currently available on the local market. “We feel completely safe and at home at Fairhaven Country Estate, ” observes Plank. “We’re so looking forward to taking relaxed mountain walks with our family and pets when we move in.” Available stands in Fairhaven range between 613 m² and 806 m² and begin selling from R595 000 including VAT. There is NO transfer duty. A new show house is under construction and will be completed shortly.
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Agent commissions – what you need to know There are many questions that a seller needs answered. How much is their property worth? How long will it take to sell? What marketing do I need? What service will I get? But one of the biggest concerns a seller has is just how much commission they need to pay, and understandably so. Estate agents’ fees are a considerable cost that a seller incurs, and you need to be absolutely certain that you are not overpaying. There is one fact that remains true when it comes to any purchase, be it a product or a service: cheapest is not best. If you were feeling very sick, would you look for the cheapest doctor? When you select a car to purchase, do you automatically buy the cheapest car? When you go to a restaurant, do you look for the cheapest restaurant? Allow me to explain just how true this is in real estate. There is a direct and tangible connection between the price you will sell your property for, and the agent you use. All agents are not equal, and the strategy they employ to sell your property will determine how much you sell for. Every seller wants the maximum for their
ture website adverts, profeshome – and so they should. There is sional photography, smart only one condition under which you showhouses to condense buywill achieve the best price in the marer interest, and marketing to a ket: when buyers have fallen in love database of real buyers – then with your property and need to comwhat they offer is significantly pete against other buyers to secure more than the other agents. it. It’s as simple as that. A tailor-made marketing This platform of buyer competiplan designed to capture all the tion can only be achieved when an buyer interest will most ceragent employs a world-class markettainly result in the buyers havingstrategytoattractbuyerenquiry. ing to compete for your properMarketing is key. And marketing ty and make their best offers. that works costs money. If you cut When you add to this the corners in marketing you will lose Talking Property, by agent skills and systems – out on buyer interest. Steve Caradoc-Dathat’s when you can be certain The agent fees you pay should be vies, principal of of selling for the most the marin direct proportion to the market- Harcourts Platinum ket will pay. This can often reing strategy the agent employs. Quite simply, if five agents with similar skills sult in you selling for 10 – 15% more than you offer you the exact same marketing which in- would with weak marketing and a lower comcludes website marketing, a board, show- mission. When you look at the big picture, houses, and the odd print advert – then by what’s more expensive: Paying 5% commisall means, choose the agent with the lowest sion and selling for X – or paying 6% commission and selling for X + 10%? Cheapest is most fee. But if one agent offers to invest in world- certainly not best. So choose wisely and sell class print marketing where buyers shop, fea- for the most – it’s what you deserve!
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42 hectares of freedom for sale FIRST PHASE SOLD OUT IN SIX WEEKS! SECOND PHASE LAUNCHING THIS SATURDAY!
INTRODUCING WATERFORD GREEN R1,3 million
Ma
Including VAT. No transfer duty.
in
Town Hall
Rd
Somerset West Golf Club
Vergelegen Mediclinic
in
to r
Ma
40 kms
Somerset West
ia
To Cape Town
Rd
St re et
Waterstone Shopping Centre
New Shopping Centre
R D eun riv io e n
Freestanding townhouses from
NH LORD CHARLES HOTEL
Vi c
Somerset Mall
WATERFORD GREEN LAUNCHING THIS SATURDAY!
Old
Sir
Low ry
’s P ass Rd
BP G arag e
Visit our onsite Sales Centre Saturday: 10am to 2pm Sunday: 2pm to 5pm Weekdays: 12pm to 5pm
In the heart of sought-after Somerset West, a magnificent new residential estate is taking shape. Featuring 6 hectares of pristine lakes and water features, 15 hectares of indigenous landscaping and mature forest, 4 kilometres of trails, and a clubhouse with swimming pool, lakeside beach and spectacular views, Somerset Lakes offers a quality of life second to none.
MACHETE.CO.ZA 7051 / SL 39X7 DM.3
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Other features include state-of-the-art security, superfast fibre-optic connectivity, an new shopping centre just 900 metres away, and a Curro Castle School on the estate. Waterford Green is a beautifully planned contemporary country village consisting of just 48 double-storey, freestanding townhouses in a tranquil setting close to the water’s edge. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure a brand-new freestanding townhouse in Somerset West’s most spacious development from R1,3 million! Transfer is set for late 2015.
• Upmarket finishes include Gres Porcelain tiles and Hansgrohe taps • Fitted appliances include ovens, hobs (gas option) & extractors • 3 bed, 2 bath homes including garage from R1,6 million • 2 bed, 2 bath homes from R1,3 million
Cheryl Brand 081 271 2584 t 021 202 2200 e sales@somersetlakes.co.za
www.somersetlakes.co.za
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Kelly Reifarth of Fine & Country Helderberg pictured above with Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa, during her recent visit to the UK.
Helderberg remains an excellent investment The local branch of Fine & Country recently attended the South African Property Exhibition in London. Asked why international connections are so important for estate agents operating in the Western Cape, Kelly-Leigh Reifarth (née Harris), licensee of Fine & Country Helderberg, explained: “Cape Town receiving the title of the World Design Capital 2014, in conjunction with being named the top holiday destination for 2014 by The Guardian UK (newspaper) as well the New York Times, combined with a weak rand, have focused fresh attention on the Western Cape property market. “As a result even more international investors, particularly British and German nationals, are buying local properties. “Their interest is definitely focused on the Western Cape,” she observed. “Fine & Country’s international connections perfectly position us to assist foreigners in buying and selling properties here, or back
in their home countries.” Reifarth also noted that the members of the international golfing fraternity (as a niche market) are particularly drawn to the region due to its wealth of world-class courses and other lifestyle attractions. Fine & Country Golf was also launched at the London exhibition to market an exclusive selection of elite homes located on some of the best golf estates in the world. “Our brand focuses on far more than conventional residential properties,” explains Reifarth. “We are truly international. We have access to a huge portfolio of properties through our network of area specialists globally. “Our marketing material is also of the highest quality, and Fine & Country Helderberg is in an excellent position to assist local and international buyers and sellers alike.” According to Reifarth, the exhibition allowed her to grow her own network extensively, something she looks forward to utilising in order to assist clients going forward.
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HELDERBERG 8 Districtmail Rental Housing Amendment Bill and its implications
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BY MICHELLE DICKENS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TENANT PROFILE NETWORK (TPN) Within the rental property industry there has been a lot of talk recently about The Rental Housing Amendment Bill, which was tabled before the National Assembly earlier this year. This Bill, if passed, will affect many South Africans going forward, as, according to latest figures from Stats SA’s 2013 General Household Survey, almost 2,5 million households reside within rented accommodation. We know that the Rental Housing Act of 1999 has regulated all residential leases, however the new Bill means that even more control will be put into place, and with the high number of tenanted properties this is quite obviously needed, but what are the implications of this? The most significant change is that the Bill now proposes that all lease agreements must be put into writing. A pro-forma lease agreement, which the Minister will produce, will be drafted into all 11 official languages, reducing the chance of misunderstanding. Currently lease agreements can be verbal or written, however we have found that verbal agreements often lead to disputes which are hard to resolve. And another major problem is that potentially there could be tens of thousands of these verbal leases which will need to be reduced to writing. The benefits of a written lease agreement are obvious when it comes to sorting out disagreements between tenant and landlord, however converting verbal leases to a written format will be further complicated by potentially illiterate tenants. And making lease agreements available in all official languages will probably add another layer of complexity to many micro landlords, who may not understand the agreement themselves. At TPN we have estimated that 75% of landlords are currently micro land-
lords, meaning they own between one to ten rental properties. These landlords do not have access to the same facilities and expertise that larger managers or investors may have. Another important amendment to the Bill, which we have had many members ask us to help clarify, is that all provincial Rental Housing Tribunals will need to draft Unfair Practice Regulations. Currently only Gauteng and Western Cape have these regulations in place, and even they differ widely in their provisions. The most important aspect of this is that the Bill proposes that Tribunals should have an appeal and review process, which should allow for a cost effective way to oppose the Tribunal’s finding without having to take the matter to the High Court. At least one member of the Tribunal must have legal qualifications and legal expertise, which will allow more accurate and fair conclusions. However, landlords should be aware that the proposed amendments will have no impact on the authority of the Tribunal to evict tenants, as only the Magistrates Court or the High Court have this authority. Oddly, the Bill now also includes a definition for ‘arbitrary evictions’, however the Constitution already regulates that no one may be evicted without a court order, and the existing Rental Housing Act already makes it a criminal offence to lock a tenant out of their home or disconnect utilities. Even so, there is still widespread practice in the industry promoting arbitrary evictions. Given the legislation already exists to protect tenants from arbitrary evictions, what is required is better policing of this unfair practice. We have on our records at TPN that 86% of tenants are in good standing, but when landlords are faced with a delinquent tenant who refuses to vacate the property and months of costly legal process ahead, some might feel their property ownership rights are limited. Critically only 2% of tenants have a history of squatting and all too often we see the same delinquent tenants circulate within the industry. From my side the biggest recommendation is to do proper background tenant and credit checking, as this is essential to reducing the risk of taking on a potentially damaging tenant, whether you have your lease formalised or not.
Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland SOLD bied die grootste en maklikste toegang tot die mark vir eiendomkopers en -verkopers in die Boland.
021 841 4285
021 887 2840 021 870 4600
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SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND
Charon Square meets the need of student housing Charon Square, an upmarket residential development with high quality finishes located in the heart of Wellington and walking distance from the campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, offers an outstanding opportunity to invest in student accommodation. There are currently eight units available out of ten and the units are three bedroom duplex townhouses. Rental income potential ranges from R8 000 upwards. There are 10 semi-detached duplex units in the development, each offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms (of which one is en-suite) as well as a single garage. Each one of these
own title units have been designed to reduce future maintenance by incorporating aluminium windows, durable chromadeck roof sheeting as well as quality tiles in the bathroom, living room and kitchen. Other premium features such as granite kitchen tops as well as built-in braais on the patio have been included. The houses have also been designed to reduce energy demand. Each unit will be equipped with a solar geyser as well as a gas hob to reduce energy consumption. The units will also be equipped with pre-paid electricity and water meters. The Wellington campus of the University has 2 000 enrolled students, but can only offer accommodation in University residences for 500 of
them. According to research conducted by Auction Alliance, the student accommodation sector of the property market has shown remarkable resilience. Ryan Joffe of Auction Alliance explains that tertiary institutions can only provide accommodation to approximately 20% of students. The remainder have to rely on the private sector to provide accommodation. The proven demand for student accommodation and lack of supply ensures that this sector remains lucrative to the discerning investor. Charon Square now offers the opportunity to invest in this sector at very attractive rental yields and with excellent capital growth prospects.
The design plan for Charon Square.
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PART MINI-BIKE, PART MOTORCYCLE: A TOUGH, URBAN EDGE
Honda Launches 2014 MSX125 QUICKPIC Manufactured in Thailand, the MSX125 is small enough to be supremely manageable yet also has a fully-fledged feel thanks to some standard sized motorcycle parts. It is part mini-bike, part motorcycle with involving performance matched to confident handling and styling that combines a sense of fun with a tough, urban edge. Its well-proven and efficient 125cc fuel-injected engine has been further refined for even greater economy plus smooth torque and power delivery, and also features a motorcyclestyle four-speed gearbox and clutch. Complementing the powerplant is a compact chassis that features a sturdy steel frame, inverted front fork, monoshock rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear and lightweight 12-inch wheels sporting wide, low profile tyres. Four patents were applied for through development of the MSX125, focused around the split structure tank cover and frame, proof of just how seriously this bike is taken by Honda. Small it may be, but in terms of worldwide sales, brand awareness and owner satisfaction, its impact has been large. Priorities for the MSX125’s chassis were threefold: it needed to provide the base for a practical bike that new riders could use – and park – with ease in an urban environment. But it also needed to be just as useable and enjoyable out of town, and also readily accept a pillion. A steel mono-backbone frame has been employed. Its rigid, square-section tube joins the headstock directly to the swingarm pivot plates and every other part in effect hangs visibly from the frame, greatly contributing to the MSX125’s minimalist look. Specifically tuned vertical/horizon-
The MSX125’s 125cc two-valve air-cooled engine is based on one of Honda’s most well-proven power units PHOTO: QUICKPIC tal rigidity and flex in the swingarm pivot and engine hanger plates provides the perfect balance of comfort and confidence. The new frame structure has also enabled efficient storage of PGM-FIrelated components and electrical parts inside the tank cover without reducing fuel capacity (5,5 litres). Wheelbase is a snug 1200 mm, with rake and trail of 250 and 81 mm and kerb weight of 101,7kg. The MSX125 has a low 765 mm seat height making it very manageable; its size also ensures that holiday makers are sure to find it easy to load/unload, transport and use. Another aim for the MSX125 was to provide ‘beyond class’ suspension quality. The 31 mm USD fork – a first for Honda on a 125cc motorcycle – reduces unsprung weight and thanks to the pistons’ greater pressure-bearing area (compared to a standard telescopic fork) offers improved damping feel throughout the stroke. The
top and bottom yokes are full-sized, further enhancing handling and rider feel while a lightweight and robust single rear shock operates a simple and tough H-shape, 50 mm x 25 mm steel box section swingarm. Fundamental to the MSX125’s form and function are its 12-inch cast aluminium wheels, which feature wide 2,5-inch rims. New ‘Y’ shaped spokes not only look great they also save weight and the front 120/70-12 and 130/70-12 rear tyres also inject a different dynamic, both in terms of looks and performance. Hydraulic dual piston front and single piston rear brake calipers work front 220 mm and rear 190 mm discs. The MSX125 uses a combined projector headlight – not only does this feature give the front of the bike a strong identity and presence, it also uses a single light source (an HS1 35W/35W double filament bulb) rather than a pair of bulbs for both high and low beam. Low beam is generat-
ed by the upper projection unit and high beam is produced by multi-reflectors which spread out in its lower section. A subtle blue light flanks the projector lens and adds character and visibility while the bright LED taillight melts seamlessly into the bike’s stubby silhouette. Easy to read for its compact size, the LCD digital dash delivers all the information the rider needs – speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Resetting the trip meters and clock, or alternation between odometer and trip meter is via switches either side of the display. The MSX125’s 125cc two-valve aircooled engine is based on one of Honda’s most well-proven power units; recently employed in the Wave 125i, over 930 000 have been produced since initial introduction in 2003, and it’s won universal praise over the last decade for fuel efficiency, ease of use and longevity. Further development of the engine for the MSX125 has resulted in improved fuel economy; the engine uses low-friction technology such as an offset cylinder and a roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Reducing crank inertia has also resulted in improved throttle feel and a smooth power delivery. Imparting a motorcycle feel to the MSX125, the four-speed gearbox is managed via manual clutch and offers smooth and consistent gear changes. The 15T gearbox sprocket, 34T final drive sprocket and 12-inch wheels deliver lively around-town response plus the ability to travel slowly in a high gear – perfect for threading easily through tight traffic. Sophisticated PGM-FI guarantees highly efficient combustion, and works in conjunction with both air intake and exhaust to deliver an involving experience at the throttle. The air intake connecting tube and
funnel is divided in two, allowing its length to be optimised for consistent torque delivery at low and mid rpm. A large, 3-litre airbox and panel-type, wet paper filter provide reliable and quiet airflow; the filter itself has a life of 16 000km. The exhaust pipe features a larger, 28,6 mm diameter bore with increased 3-litre multi-section muffler volume, allowing a strong power output in the mid and upper rpm ranges. The muffler itself uses a dual-layer protector, featuring an inner metal cover that contains heat and a resin outer shield. Improving the efficiency of the catalyser has been achieved by placing it in the exhaust pipe itself; the higher temperature triggers earlier activation while an elongated tapered shaped section in front of the catalyser means spent gases strike it evenly. All in all the MSX125’s engine packs a perfect blend of punchy rollon performance with useful, accessible and fun all-round ability. The effort put into reducing internal friction and increasing intake and exhaust efficiency has also produced a highly economical unit. Colours Available: Suiting its individuality (and that of its owners) the MSX125 is available in four paint options: •Asteroid Black Metallic •Pearl Himalayas White •Pearl Valentine Red •Candy Pisces Blue * All colours now have colour matched tail section and headlight side cover as well as gold wheels, swing arm pivot bolt and front calipers. The Honda MSX125 is sold standard with: •Complimentary Rider Training course through the Honda Academy •12 Months Free Roadside Assistance •24 Month unlimited km warranty
AUTO 20 Isuzu KB enhanced through constant improvement Donderdag
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QUICKPIC The locally-engineered and built Isuzu KB has received subtle cosmetic updates, following constructive feedback from loyal Isuzu customers from around South Africa. Isuzu brand manager at General Motors South Africa (GMSA), Mlungisi Nonkonyana, says: “We constantly strive to improve our products. With the added advantage of the sixth-generation Isuzu KB being developed, engineered and built for South Africans in South Africa,
we are able to introduce updates with quick turnaround times for maximum effect. “The subtle new tweaks to the Isuzu KB are all geared at enhancing visual appeal and creating a better driving experience.” Available from mid-September 2014, the updates include a new overhead storage compartment including a sunglasses holder on the LX extended cab and double cab models. The new Anthracite Grey upholstery on the LE and LX models moves the interior ambience more upmarket. LE models now feature a more striking Anthracite Grey radiator
grille and a black rear bumper. The LX double cab now features a chrome lockable tailgate handle, and all models now feature a centre-high-mounted stop lamp. “The changes are now reflected on a streamlined range of 18 Isuzu KB derivatives, all powered by our renowned diesel engines.” All Isuzu KB models are sold with a fully-comprehensive 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and roadside assistanceprogramme,a5-year/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000tkm service plan. Service intervals are 15 000 km or 12 months for all derivatives
The locally-engineered and built Isuzu KB has received subtle cosmetic updates, following constructive feedback from loyal Isuzu customers from around South Africa.
PHOTO: QUICKPIC
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22 Suzuki Swift bereik steeds nuwe mylpale Donderdag
18 September, 2014
QUICKPIC Suzuki se gewilde Swift-luikrugmotor bereik steeds nuwe mylpale, nie net internasionaal nie, maar ook op plaaslike bodem. Die Swift, wat oorspronklik in 2004 as ’n wêreldmotor bekend gestel is, het sedertdien altesaam 4 miljoen verkope wêreldwyd aangeteken – presies nege jaar en nege maande na die oorspronklike bekendstelling. Suzuki en sy Indiese filiaal, Maruti, was boonop in Junie vanjaar die twee handelsmerke wat in vergelyking met 2013 globaal die vinnigste gegroei het. Albei kon hulle verkope met meer as 20 persent laat toeneem. Volgens die gesaghebbende World Brands-webwerf het Maruti se verkope in Junie 2014 met ’n indrukwekkende 27 persent gestyg,
terwyl Suzuki met ’n toename van 23,5 persent kort op sy filiaal se hakke was. Die Swift versinnebeeld Suzuki se erkende kennis en vernuf wat die ontwerp, ontwikkeling en produksie van klein motors betref. Die oorspronklike weergawe is aanvanklik in Japan gebou, maar word nou in agt lande gemonteer, onder meer in Hongarye, Indië, Sjina en Tailand, en word in meer as 140 lande en streke verkoop. Die Swift se welslae in Indië is besonder indrukwekkend: die Indiese mark verteenwoordig sowat die helfte van algehele Swift-verkope wêreldwyd. Europese verkope geld vir ’n verdere 19 persent, terwyl Japan se verkope-aandeel sowat 11 persent behels. Dis egter nie net die verkoopsyfers wat die Swift se gewildheid be-
nadruk nie: die kompakte luikrug spog ook met ’n indrukwekkende lys toekennings. Die Swift het reeds twee keer – in 2006 en 2010 – die Japanse RJC Motor van die Jaar-titel ingepalm, terwyl die Australiese webwef, motoring.com.au, die Swift drie jaar agtereenvolgens as een van die land se beste eerste motoraankope aangewys het. Wat Suid-Afrika betref, bly die vraag na die Suzuki Swift, wat in 2008 plaaslik bekend gestel is, eweneens positief. Kumulatiewe verkope na net ses jaar beloop reeds amper 10 000 voertuie. Die Swift was boonop ’n finalis in die 2009 SA Motor Van Die Jaar-wedstryd. “Die Swift bly ’n sleutelmodel in Suzuki se voortgesette groei en welslae in Suid-Afrika,” sê Francois van Eeden, Suzuki Auto SA se nasionale bestuurder van bemarking.
SOLD AUTO BOLAND
Dis egter nie net die verkoopsyfers wat die Swift se gewildheid benadruk nie: die kompakte luikrug spog ook met ’n indrukwekkende lys toekennings FOTO: QUICKPIC
Fuel Saving tips for your car Fuel-saving tips with fuel costs at its current high, the following fuel-saving tips will be helpful: *Fill up at night: Petrol evaporates fast, and more petrol is lost through evaporation during the day than at night. * Drive at a constant engine speed: Acceleration burns more fuel. * Drive with the windows up: At speeds faster than 80 km/h, the windows should be closed. Thus fuel consumption may be improved by up to 5 percent. *Drive with the windows down: Drive without air conditioning, with the windows down, if the speed is below 80 kmh. The air conditioner puts a load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.· * “Feel” the engine: Use the feedback from a car’s engine during driving. Allow the car to gain momentum on a downward slope. This inertia will assist the car up the following incline, and only when one starts to lose steam, change to a lower gear. *Plan your route: Driving when traffic is moving well will greatly help to reduce fuel consumption. An idling car in a traffic jam gets zero km per litre
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18 September, 2014
Jeep Cherokee Longitude: oos wes, tuis bes HANS HEESE Jare gelede was daar ’n volbladadvertensie in die nuustydskrif Time met ’n foto van ’n Jeep tydens die Tweede Wêreldoorlog aan een of ander bloeddorstige gevegsfront. Die enigste byskrif was “Original Sin”. Wat die Jeep met sonde te doen gehad het, weet ek tot vandag toe nog nie. Maar die prentjie van die Jeep in die middel van ’n harde geveg, sal my altyd bybly.
Van buite lyk die Cherokee pure perd op sy 17 duim allooiwielvellings en maak hulle die oop ruimtes om die nisse mooi vol. FOTO: QUICKPIC
Wat wel waar is, is dat die Jeep die VSA gehelp het om die oorlog te wen en dat alle ligte 4X4 voertuie op die mark eintlik maar afstammelinge van hierdie moeder van alle “sondes” was! Dit geld dan ook vir die moderne makers van alle luukse 4X4s. As sesjarige seun het ek die eerste keer op Oom Danie de Wet se plaas by Caledon ervaar hoe sy Jeep in reenweer teen ’n damwal kon uitklim en het op die plek ’n Jeep-bekeerling geword. As student is ek en my maats in die middel sestigs na die Goodwood Skou met die uitsluitlike doel om die nuwe Jeep Wagoneer te gaan aanskou; die eerste 4X4 wat soos ’n stasiewa gelyk het en soos ’n motor hanteer het. Dit is eers jare daarna wat die Engelse en die res met soortgelyke voertuie voor die dag sou kom. Terug na die nuwe Jeep Cherokee met die snaakserige naam Longitude, oftewel lengtegraad in Afrikaans. Het die name nou begin opraak, of het dit te doen met die OosWes debat waar Japannese 4X4 bakkies daagliks op CNN te siene is? Die Longitude is die intreemodel in die nuwe Cherokee-reeks wat on-
langs bekendgestel is. Anders as die res van die reeks, wat almal dieselfde moderne en byderwetse bakvorm deel, is die Longitude met voorwielaandrywing toegerus en is die enjin die 2.4l Tigershark MultiAir I-4 eenheid wat ’n baie skaflike 130 kW ontwikkel en 229 Nm wringkrag lewer. Vir gewone en alledaagse gebruik is hierdie krag beslis meer as genoeg; om die waarheid te sê, amper te veel. Met die wegtrekslag het ’n mens die gevoel gekry dat jy te doen het met ’n senuweeagtige renperd wat net wil hol! Maar hierdie verskynsel kan ook verband hou met die nuwe outomatiese ratkas met sy nie minder as nege ratverhoudings nie. Dit kos versigtig petrol trap om nie die wiele te laat tol nie. Aan die binnekant is daar alles wat daar verwag word van ’n luukse sedanmotor wat gerief betref en spasie en sitplekke is ontwerp vir groot Amerikaners. Die ekstras sluit dinge soos ’n 7-duim navigasieskerm gekoppel aan ’n klank- en vermaaklikheidsentrum met USB-poorte en die moontlikheid om mondelinge bevele aan die sentrum oor te dra; alles wat in Japan uitgevind is, is teenwoordig. Natuurlik ook die veiligheidstoerusting uit Europa soos die sewe lugsakke wat gekoppel is aan sensors wat vooruit ’n moontlike botsing of omrol-aksie kan voorspel. Hierdie is eienskappe wat moontlik spruit uit die alliansie tussen Daimler-Benz en Chrysler van so ’n paar jaar gelede. Dit is dan ook nie ’n wonder dat die Cherokee in 2013 die hoogste punte in sy klas in die Europese botsingstoetse behaal het nie. Van buite lyk die Cherokee pure perd op sy 17 duim allooiwielvellings en maak hulle die oop ruimtes
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om die nisse mooi vol. Daar is ook die geheelbeeld dat hierdie voertuig nog steeds die oorwin-alles voorkoms het; iets wat by sommige mededingers ontbreek. Dieselfde geld natuurlik ook vir die Wrangler-modelle wat nog altyd sy klassieke lyne uit die Tweede Wêreldoorlog behou het en lyk soos ’n ware 4X4 behoort te lyk. Noem dit retro-stilering of iets anders, maar dit werk vir ons ware entoesiaste wat nie modebehep is nie en waar funksionaliteit eerste kom. En natuurlik die gepatenteerde aantal balkies op die neus wat die verkoeler beskerm. Prakties is natuurlik die parkeersensors agter om die relatief groot voertuig in ’n klein parkeerspasie in te kry; senior burgers sal veral hierdie geriefie waardeer! So ook die dubbele stelsel klimaatbeheer wat natuurlik veel meer behels as blote lugversorging. En wat kos hierdie Amerikaanse ikoon? Die eienaar sal R479 990 minder in sy sak hê as hy hom van die vloer aftrek. As die krag en ekstra toerusting miskien nie op standaard is nie, is daar natuurlik ’n lang lys van toerusting wat teen ’n ekstra prys beskikbaar is, onder andere leerbekleedsel en ’n sondak. Of die koper kan die hardebaard Limiteden Trailhawk-modelle met vierwielaandrywing oorweeg, waarvan sommige ook ewenaarslotte insluit. Die prys vir die hardebaard Cherokee 3.2 l Limited AWD is R563 990en die koning van die reeks, die Cherokee 3.2 l Trailhawk 4WD, kan joune wees vir R607 990. Slotsom, geniet die (Amerikaanse) verlede in vandag se gemak en styl! Galimoto Media
AUTO 24 Awesomeness amplified: the updated Kia Picanto Donderdag
18 September, 2014
QUICKPIC The second-generation Kia Picanto has been turning heads since making its global premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and local market introduction in 2011. Completely redesigned, the new model – proudly featuring Kia’s iconic ‘tiger nose’ grille – moved the Picanto from ‘cute’ and ‘friendly’ to ‘mature’ and ‘handsome’, combining sporty styling, a high quality interior, frugal and efficient engines and exceptional levels of standard equipment to create a car that is, quite simply, awesome. The Picanto was born from a simple idea: an affordable car should make no compromises on styling, features or technology. However, thanks to a mild exterior update, the all-awesome Picanto now looks even sportier and sexier, confidently showing off the design and features that has garnered it multiple awards in the past four years. And with the latest Picanto, Kia Motors has proven that ‘affordable’
elected a finalist in the can also be ‘awesome’. 2012 WesBank / SAGMJ Fresh off the mark folCar of the Year competilowing its European tion, widely considered market launch in 2011, the most prestigious comthe Kia Picanto scooped petition on the South Afa prestigious red dot derican motoring calendar. sign award in the ProdWhile the two-model uct Design category, Picanto line-up remains coming out ahead of unchanged, enhancemore than 11 000 other ments to the exterior enentries from more than dows it with a sportier, 60 countries and marksexier face thanks to a reing Kia’s fifth red dot vised ‘tiger nose’ grille award in less than three and a restyled front years. bumper. A few months later, The new grille is slightKia Motors scooped up The new grille is slightly larger, and features a silver ly larger, and features a an equally covetable iF painted bezel surrounded by beveled edges for a more silver painted bezel surproduct design award expressive, three-dimensional visage PHOTO: QUICKPIC rounded by beveled edges for the three-door Picanto (available exclusively in Europe) duction of the Kia Picanto (as well for a more expressive, three-dimen– the company’s fourth in three as the Kia Rio and Optima), TÜV sional visage. The ‘tiger nose’ on the range-topNord, an independent technical inyears. This award recognises design spection organisation, certified all ping EX model also features red borquality alongside a number of other three models according to the ISO dering to separate the bezel from the criteria, including workmanship, 14040 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). black mesh grille, emphasising its In South Africa, the Picanto took sporty appearance. level of innovativeness and ecoThe new bumper incorporates a top honours in the People’s Wheels friendliness. But it’s not just about awesome Awards for three years in a row smaller kidney grille separated styling. Thanks to its low tailpipe (2011, 2012 and 2013), has won nu- from the lower air intake, which is emissions and the advanced manu- merous ‘Best Buy’ awards from mul- now narrower and positioned lowfacturing processes used in the pro- tiple major publications, and was er. The fog lamps are larger, as are
BOLAND SOLD
the integrated fog lamp housings. The Picanto’s strongly-sculpted, dynamic side profile and uncluttered rear styling remains unchanged. The 1.0 LX ships with 14inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, while the 1.2 EX features sporty 14-inch alloys. Two of Kia Motor Corporation’s efficient Kappa engines do duty in the all-awesome Picanto, starting with three-cylinder, 998 cc unit producing 51 kW and 94 Nm of torque in the 1.0 LX. A four-cylinder, 1248cc engine is utilised in the range-topping 1.2 EX, producing 65 kW and 120 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a fivespeed manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Picanto 1.0 LX retails for R130 995* (R142 995* for the automatic version), and the range-topping 1.2 EX for R140 995* (R152 995* for the automatic version). All derivatives ship as standard with a five-year/ 100 000 km warranty. A two-year/ 45 000 km optional service plan is also available. For more information, visit www.kia.co.za.