October 6, 2020 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

How to drive safely during a strike

vuyi on October 6, 2020

To avoid protest action all together, keep abreast of the news and look at alerts on social media and apps before choosing a route

A number of strikes are expected to disrupt traffic this week as people resume regular economic activities. Ideally, one would like to avoid being caught up in any of the protest action, but if this is unavoidable, there are a number of tips to keep in mind.

Although many of the planned strikes are intended to be peaceful, it is possible, that you may feel vulnerable if caught in the middle of a mass protest. Your decision about what course of action to take should be determined firstly, by your personal safety and secondly by the safety of your vehicle.

“To avoid protest action all together, keep abreast of news reports and look out for alerts on social media and apps before choosing your route. Unfortunately, even with the best of care in mind, it is possible to get caught up among a group of protesters. In such an instance, make it a point not to engage with protestors in any way. Rather, look out for the nearest and safest exit and slowly and carefully make your way towards it, taking care not to antagonize those on strike. If authorities are present, pay attention to their instructions and follow their lead in order to prevent harm to yourself, passengers and vehicle.

In some instances and even in the presence of authorities, protestors sometimes attempt to harm motorists and cause damage to passing vehicles. In this scenario identify a way to safely turn around or move in the opposite direction. It is essential to do this without driving recklessly or endangering other drivers or pedestrians. Do not swerve into an oncoming lane in a panic. Rather, wait calmly until you can safely perform a U-turn.

Drivers should also be prepared for strikes which are not broadcast in the media. Keep an eye out for people gathering at the side of the road or on bridges. Drive watching 12 seconds ahead of you to identify any volatile situations immediately.

Ultimately, if you are forced to stop or slow down because of a protest, do not block yourself by stopping too closely to the car ahead of you; leaving you with little to not room to manoeuvre. Be prepared to exit the car quickly in an emergency. The car, however, is normally the safest place.”

If you ever find yourself in the middle of protest action, remaining calm is key. “The objective is to avoid the situation completely. Otherwise, never let potentially volatile protest action catch you by surprise as things could turn violent at any moment,” advises Eugene Herbert, Managing Director of Master Drive

Meet the new, sportier, cutting edge Audi A4

vuyi on October 6, 2020

The A4 represents the core of the Audi brand.

After four years in the making, the successful midsize sedan is now tauter, sportier and more intelligent than before. Its exterior has evolved into Audi’s new design language and the introduction of the large MMI touch display offers the kind of operating experience that customers will be familiar with from their smartphone.

Further to this, the new Audi A4 is the brand’s first model to usher in fully integrated connectivity functions with Audi connect, thereby enabling safety and service; security and convenience as well real-time infotainment functions to the driving experience.

The engine options now come with a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) which allows for efficiency and comfort from broad-based electrification. This combination of advanced design, new technology, an efficient and connected driving experience, makes the product improvement on the Audi A4 quite a substantial package in the premium B-Sedan segment.

SPORTY LOOKS: The midsize model looks even more dynamic and sophisticated thanks to the sportier design highlights. The Singleframe grille is now broader and flatter; horizontal lines emphasize the width at the front and rear. The side view is defined by the distinctive muscles above the fenders and the lower set shoulder line in between. They form strong contours above the wheels and make the quattro genes outwardly visible.

LED headlights now come standard in the Audi A4 and are available in different variations.

LED headlights now come standard in the Audi A4 and are available in different variations. The 35 TFSI features low beam, high beam and daytime running lights in LED technology. The 40 TFSI and S4 will feature a higher version of LED including a different daytime running light design and dynamic indicators for the rear; also available optionally is the top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights with fully automatic high beam.

The equipment line concept is equally new: standard, Advanced and S line are now available for the exterior, not to mention the independent look of the S model with the standard high gloss styling package to accentuate it’s exterior look.

Customers can choose from 12 paint colours, including a new Terra Grey colour option.

When it comes to the wheel options, 17” size is configured as standard on the entry trimline and a 18” standard wheel size on the Advanced and S line trims. There is an option to upgrade to 19” for a further sportier look. The Audi S4 offers 19” wheels as standard with a choice of three designs.

MODEL RANGE: Audi will be offering the A4 model line with three turbocharged engines in South Africa. Their power outputs range from 110 kW to 260 kW – from the Audi A4 35 TFSI up to the Audi S4 TFSI. For the market launch in October 2020, two engine variants (A4 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI) will feature a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12 volts, which reduces fuel consumption while improving comfort. This broad-based electrification makes an important contribution to achieving positive fuel consumption. In everyday use, the MHEV system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres according to individual Audi measurements. All A4 models come off the production line with an automatic transmission as standard.

The model range is detailed below:

Model	Engine (l)	Power (kW)	Torque (Nm)
Audi A4 35 TFSI Standard	2.0 TFSI	110	270
Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced	2.0 TFSI	110	270
Audi A4 40 TFSI Standard	2.0 TFSI	140	320
Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced	2.0 TFSI	140	320
Audi A4 40 TFSI S line	2.0 TFSI	140	320
Audi S4	3.0 TFSI	260	500

The range is expected to include a diesel engine in quarter one of 2021.

THE AUDI S4 TFSI: The 3.0 TFSI offering follows from the previous generation Audi S4. It combines sports car performance with good levels of efficiency and also impresses with high power, ample torque, spontaneous response and a sonorous sound. The direct petrol injection engine with turbocharging has an output of 260 kW and produces a hefty torque of 500 Nm from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm.

The turbo V6 engine accelerates the Audi S4 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. In the new S4, a fast and smoothly shifting eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transfer. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive makes a large contribution to the sporty handling of the S4. In normal driving, it distributes engine forces with a slight emphasis of the rear wheels – if necessary the majority of forces can be directed to the axle with better traction.

LOCAL PACKAGES: The new Audi A4 range will offer the package concept as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The packages include:

Comfort
Technology
Sport
Lights (35 TFSI only)
Assistance / City Assistance / Lane Assistance

MARKET INTRODUCTION AND PRICING: The Audi A4 range is currently available for sale at all Audi Dealerships in South Africa.

The model range is priced as follows:

Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic: R 644,000
Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced S tronic: R 663,000
Audi A4 40 TFSI S tronic: R 681,500
Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced S tronic: R 700,500
Audi A4 40 TFSI S line S tronic: R 726,500
Audi S4 TFSI 260kW quattro tiptronic: R 944,500

All models come standard with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes.

BMW 330is Edition pay homage to the iconic 325is “Gusheshe”

vuyi on October 6, 2020

There is no replacing a legend such as the iconic South African manufactured BMW 325is, but you can pay your respects to it.

To celebrate what became revered as the ‘Gusheshe’, BMW South Africa is launching a limited-run BMW 330is Edition. Only 230 BMW 330is Edition models will be made available – exclusively for the South African market.

With an acceleration of 0 – 100 kilometres per hour in 5.8 seconds and a power output of 190 kW, it is poised to set the pace. The new generation BMW TwinPower Turbo, 2 litre and 4-cylinder petrol engine is notable for its agile power delivery and outstanding responsiveness, even at low engine speeds. This results in high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The BMW 330is Edition is equipped with an M Sport package and 20” M Performance wheels. The M Aerodynamic kit includes an M Performance front splitter, M Performance side skirts in body colour, M Performance boot spoiler and an M Performance exhaust for added sportiness.

The M Sport brakes have four-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear, in blue with the M designation and features large brake discs to ensure outstanding stopping power.

The 10 millimetre lowered Adaptive M suspension can be electronically adjusted to suit all driving and road conditions. The driver can also adjust the suspension characteristics via the Driving Experience Control to enable their preferred driving style – from comfortable to athletic.

The variable sport steering creates a direct and agile steering response, improving the handling when driving more dynamically. This is complemented by the 8 -Speed Steptronic Sport transmission that offers sporty gear changes. Whether automatic or manual using gearshift paddles or the gear lever, the gear shifts are configured optimally.

The BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line (inspired by the BMW 325i Shadow Line introduced in 1985) with extended features also includes a black grille and darkened interior headlights. Each BMW 330is Edition also carries an authentic boot badge unique to the vehicle.

To spark nostalgia, the BMW 330is Edition is available in a choice of colours – from classic Glacier Silver, striking Melbourne Red and timeless Alpine White to the sleek Black Sapphire.

One-of-a -kind interior: From the unique Edition doorsills on the front passenger and driver side to the interior trim finisher with 330is, the BMW 330is Edition features an exclusively sporty interior. Unique door sills with 330is insignia for the front passenger and driver, as well as leather ‘Vernasca’ Black with decorative stitching ensure the vehicle stand out.

M seat belts, an M leather steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, anthracite roof lining, a glass sliding sunroof and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system complete the package. The BMW 330is comes standard with next generation technology such as BMW Gesture Control, Park Assist and Live Cockpit Professional.

The sport seats for the driver and front passenger provide the most ideal lumbar support with their raised side bolsters and adjustable support. The fore-and-aft position and seat angle can be adjusted, as well as the backrest width.

The BMW 330is Edition is on sale from R899 000 incl. CO2 Tax.