April 30, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

CAR REVIEW: 10-Top Reasons Why the Renault Duster deserves to be on every car buyer’s list

vuyi on April 30, 2021

When the Renault Duster range was first introduced in 2013, I had a few not-so-nice things to say about it. Fast forward to 2021 and I’m happy to share that I am now very much in love with the derivative I recently had on test.
– vuyi mpofu, editor, heels & horsepower magazine

Launched in 2013, Renault South Africa has sold over 21 000 units of the Duster model range. Globally, the automaker has sold 2 million units, which only serves to show just how popular this SUV is.

Here are the top 10 things I love about the Renault Duster 1.5 CDI 4×4:

1. Visually expressive, muscular, and bold, the Renault Duster 1.5 4×4 CDI stands proud and tall on 17” heels.

2. It has a ground clearance of 210mm proving that it is more than capable of conquering any terrain with ease.

3. Robust and athletic, the Duster is built for purposeful adventure yet remains light and agile enough for everyday city driving.

4. It has one heck of a spacious boot, loads of nifty storage areas within its cabin, and a convenient START-STOP button to get the vehicle on the move.

5. It boasts features such as Hill Start and Hill Descent Control and an innovative 4×4 monitor to help assess the gradient of the road at any given time.

6. Powered to go further the 1.5 CDI turbo diesel engine is comfortable, powerful, and responsive.

7. Designed to take to the open road frugally, the Duster has a 50-liter fuel tank and is incredibly fuel-efficient with fuel consumption at a mere 4.8-liters per 100km. If nothing else, this simply means you won’t be a regular customer at the local fuel station.

8. It features a contemporary uncluttered and unpretentious interior with distinct design accents.

9. It is comfortable, spacious, and with ample room for tall front and rear-seat passengers to enjoy a long-distance drive in comfort.

10, With uncompromised attention to safety, the Duster offers a multitude of advanced active and passive safety technology as standard across the range, such as 6 airbags, ABS [Anti-Lock Braking System] with EBD [Electronic Brake Distribution] in conjunction with EBA [Emergency Brake Assist], making it possible to maintain control over the trajectory in the event of heavy braking.

The Renault Duster is certainly worth looking at if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV which caters to the entire family. Peace of mind is part of the package with the Duster with a standard 3-Year/ 45,000km Service Plan and a 5-Year/ 150,000km Warranty.

The Renault Duster model range is priced as follows:

Duster 1.6 Expression 4×2: R 386 793-00

Duster TechRoad 1.5 DCI 4×2 M/T: R 460 101-00

Duster TechRoad 1.5 dCi 4×2 EDC: R 505 552-00

Duster Dynamique 1.5 dCi 4×4: R 505 552-00

Duster 1.5 dCI Prestige EDC 4×2: R 522 658-00

Meet the Volvo XC60 T4, one of South Africa’s most successful premium compact sport utility vehicle

vuyi on April 30, 2021

The arrival of the Volvo XC40 T4 is set to further cement the success of the range in this country.
– GREG MARUSZEWSKI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA

Volvo Car South Africa has introduced an additional derivative to its XC40 range, namely the Volvo XC40 T4. This is the first time the derivative – which has already proved popular overseas – will be sold locally.

The pièce de résistance of the new derivative is its 2.0-litre in-line turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers maximum power of 140 kW at 5000 r/min and maximum torque of 300 Nm. It is matched to Volvo’s eight-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox.

The performance is brisk, with a zero to 100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds. Available in three specification levels – Momentum, Inscription and R-Design – pricing for the Volvo XC40 T4 starts at R654 580. The T4 slots in between two other petrol-engined XC40 models, namely the T3 (which boasts a 110 kW engine) and the T5 (with its 185 kW powerplant).

Like the other models in the range, the Volvo XC40 T4 combines bold design with cutting-edge connectivity, clever interior storage and Volvo’s industry-leading safety technology. This includes Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support and a 360° camera that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces.

According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, the arrival of the Volvo XC40 T4 is set to further cement the success of the range in this country. “The XC40 had a good 2020; it had an 8.40% share of its segment in 2019; that grew to 14.70% last year. In 2021, the XC40 nameplate performance is continuing to grow its sales locally,” he reveals.

The T4 is but one of two new XC40 models that will be launched in South Africa this year. Volvo Car South Africa will also launch the XC40 P8 All Electric. Orders start for this vehicle in May with deliveries to commence in August.

Get ready for the new VW Golf 8 GTI, coming to a dealership near you

vuyi on April 30, 2021

The Golf 8 GTI, Volkswagen’s highly anticipated hot hatch is set to launch in the third quarter of this year.

The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will be launched in South Africa from the third quarter of 2021.

Volkswagen’s launch plans for the Golf 8 GTI include a digital South African premiere and countrywide customer events which will allow enthusiasts to be among the first to experience the new Golf GTI.

“The Volkswagen Group has been impacted by the global shortage of the semiconductor chips and all vehicles built on the MQB platform have been affected. For this reason, the launch of the Golf 8 GTI in South Africa will now move to the third quarter,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

“We are working closely with our German counterparts to ensure that we get as many Golf 8 GTI units for the local market as possible. A few Golf 8 GTI units started arriving in the country from mid-April. These units will be stockpiled until we have enough vehicles for the launch at the beginning of the third quarter,” added Knapp.

The Golf 8 GTI is Volkswagen’s highly anticipated vehicle launch this year. South Africa is one of the biggest Golf GTI markets outside of Europe. The Golf 7 GTI sold over 14 000 units since its launch in South Africa in July 2013. The Golf was also the best-selling model range in the A Hatch segment in South Africa last year with a 29.1% segment share.

New Drivers Guide to NOT Stalling a Car

vuyi on April 30, 2021

You’ve gotten your license and are taking your friends out for a spin. Problem is, you stall the engine each time you try to get going! Your squad is understanding but the queue of traffic behind you? Not so much!

I’ve been driving for almost 30 years and I still manage to stall the engine each time I have a manual transmission car on test. It would be funny if it wasn’t so embarrassing which is why I have a special place in my heart for learner and newly licensed drivers.

Truth is, 9 times out of 10, I stall the engine a few times on the first day that I have a manual transmission test car;
– Vuyi mpofu, editor, heels & horsepower magazine

Stalling a car is pretty common and contrary to popular belief, it’s not something only done by rookie drivers. Granted, newly licensed drivers may be nervous, especially if driving for the first time without the security of an instructor at their side. But, those not accustomed to operating the manual transmission of a car, or who drive distracted are just as likely to stall the engine too.

Truth is, 9 times out of 10, I stall the engine a few times on the first day that I have a manual transmission test car; and yes, it is excruciatingly embarrassing. While it’s not something you’d expect from someone with approximately 30 years driving experience to her credit, my excuse is that with more and more OEMs producing automatic transmission cars the opportunity to drive a manual decreases substantially. Here’s what you need to know about stalling a car.

Why do cars stall?

There are a few reasons that car stall, among them being an undercharged or faulty car battery or a problem with the fuel pump or the wiring within your car’s engine. That said, in many instances, stalling an engine is mostly a driver error than the fault of the car.

The best course of action against stalling a car is to simply relax and take your time. Sure, traffic might be building up behind you and impatient drivers will most likely use their horn quite liberally but the more calm you remain the better your chances of taking off without incident become. There are a number of definitive steps to remember when moving off from a traffic light, intersection or even the parking bay you are in.

Assuming the parking brake is engaged:

Fully depress the clutch
Shift into first gear
Depress the accelerator pedal and aim to keep the rev counter at approximately 1500 revs
Release the clutch very slowly, release the handbrake and gently & simultaneously press the accelerator.
If you feel the car shudder it is likely that the engine is about to cut off in which case depress the clutch and pull up the handbrake to secure the car.
Breathe and re-start the process till you get to point 4 above. Hopefully you’ll get the clutch accelerator balance correct, which is the point at which you can take off without stalling the engine.
Once your car gains momentum, continue to bring the clutch up gently and steadily continue to feed the accelerator.
You will have successfully taken off from your standstill position and should be on your way.

It is also very possible to stall the engine when you prepare to come to a stop. Once again I am guilty of doing this, largely because I’d have forgotten that I am not driving an automatic. To avoid this mortifying action, you need to work the clutch and brakes in unison. Assuming you are driving slowly, press the clutch down first, then apply the brakes. If attempting to come to a stop from a higher speed, you should apply the brakes first then the clutch.

Don’t forget that stalling the engine is a rite of passage for all new drivers. The trick is not to panic when it happens. Hopefully the information in this article serves as an invaluable reminder and will reduce the possibility of stalling in the new future!

Meet the ladies riding at the 2021 International Female Ride Day

vuyi on April 30, 2021

With 35 years riding experience among them, Bongiwe Didiza, Crescentia Ndimande and Zanele McMurray look forward to riding motorcycles they’ve always dreamt of riding, thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways

International Female Ride Day^© (IFRD) celebrates women motorcycle riders and is not country, group or organizationally specific. It is a globally synchronized “JUST RIDE!”^© day, for women.

Conceptualized by internationally recognised motorcycling instructor, road racer, Vicki Gray, the day has occurred for well over a decade and a half, with the first IFRD gatherings in 2007.

“IFRD provides a platform for women motorcycle riders to bond with other women, to meet and find like-minded women who ride and develop friendships with which to enjoy and advance motorcycling!”
– Vicki Gray, Founder, International female ride day

As one of the most important ride days for women, International Female Ride Day (IFRD) aims to encourage women to take up motorcycling. It also raises awareness about women’s equality in motorsports while applauding women’s advancements in motor and powersports.

In South Africa, IFRD is spearheaded by Estelle Lotter, Founder of The Litas Johannesburg & Gauteng. The Litas is a group of passionate kick-ass women focused on building local communities of women who share a love for two wheels. With starting points in various parts of Gauteng, the 2021 IFRD will include both on and off-road routes, thereby catering for riders with different types of motorcycles.

I am looking forward to experiencing all that the F 900 XR has to offer and of course, to reconnecting with lady bikers I haven’t seen in a long time
CRESCENTIA NDIMANDE, 15 YEARS motorcycle RIDING EXPERIENCE

My heart is most at home when I ride off road on a GS so riding a cafe racer is going to be a different experience for me because for once, I won’t get dusty!
BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS, 10 years riding experience

3 bikers from Driving in Heels will take part in the Ride being, Bongiwe Didiza, Crescentia Ndimande and Zanele McMurray. With a collective 35 riding experience among them, our ladies are proudly supported by BMW Fourways Motorrad, which was recently awarded Dealership of the Year 2020.

Bongiwe aka Bo Di, will be riding a BMW R nineT which is quite a departure from her much-loved GS adventure bike range. “I’m so used to riding off road and on much bigger bikes so the R nineT is going to be quite an experience for me. It’s going to be nice to ride and not get dusty for once,” she laughed.

I was envious when I saw Bongiwe riding this sexy beast at launch in 2020 but all is forgiven now because I get to ride it too!
– Zanele McMurray, 15 years motorcycle riding experience

Mother of 2, Crescentia settled on a BMW F 900XR mostly because it is a dual purpose and suits her height. commenting on her choice of ride, she said, “I am excited to ride the model Vuyi used in the Pride of Africa Ride 2020 to Durban. From what I can tell it is a comfortable and user-friendly machine and I am looking forward to experiencing all that it has to offer”.

Zanele aka Lady Zee, opted for the R 18 cruiser. “I was envious when I saw Bongiwe riding this sexy beast at launch in 2020 but all is forgiven now because I get to ride it too! And before you ask, no the R 18 is neither too big nor too heavy for me – it’s just right,” she said.

We wish all the women participating in the IFRD 2021 a safe and run ride! To share in the ride and excitement on the day, check out our social media pages.