May 10, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Volvo Announces Pricing and Exclusive Online Sales for XC40 P8 Recharge All-Electric

vuyi on May 10, 2021

All-electric vehicles sold in South Africa have traditionally come with hefty price tags – and this has undoubtedly been a deterrent
– Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa

Volvo Car South Africa has announced the pricing for one of the most eagerly awaited cars to be launched in South Africa this year, namely the XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric. Orders for the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge opened on Monday 10 May with deliveries commencing in August this year. Pricing for the car will start at R1,2 million (incl. VAT).

According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, the company has worked hard to offer this luxury all-electric vehicle at a competitive price.

“All-electric vehicles sold in South Africa have traditionally come with hefty price tags – and this has undoubtedly been a deterrent. We know that there is an appetite in South Africa for electric cars and we were determined to give customers an attractive price,” he says.

In addition to the announcement of the competitive price tag, the company also announced that the car will be sold exclusively online via the company’s new website, My Volvo.

This unique online store enables South Africans to purchase or rent a new car in as little as 20 minutes – and without leaving their home. Customers only need to follow five easy steps to select the car and arrange both finance and delivery (or collection).

The Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric is clearly a sign of things to come
– GREG MARUSZEWSKI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA

Included in the pricing of the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge is the Volvo CARE package. This includes a five-year maintenance plan and warranty, three years of insurance, use of a petrol car for two weeks per year for three years and a home charger that includes charge cables.

“The Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric is clearly a sign of things to come; last month the company announced that it would only manufacture electric cars by 2030, with all sales to be online. So, our future is clear, and it will be fully electric, sustainable, and online,” concludes Maruszewski.

Tips for Getting your Car Ready for the Winter Season

vuyi on May 10, 2021

Temperatures across South Africa are gradually falling, and the full onset of winter is imminent. It is important for motorists to be aware of the change in climate, and to prepare adequately for the cold months ahead.

While people protect themselves against the elements, they often forget to protect their vehicles which also need some added attention and protection during this time.

Vehicle batteries are always trickier during this time, as the starter draws increased amps to crank a cold engine. Many people also forget to turn off their headlights which drains battery power. To avoid this, a battery in good working condition is essential. Remember that in cold weather a fully charged battery provides less than half of the power than in warm weather.

In addition, the following tips are suggested:

Batteries

Check the water (electrolyte) level. Water must cover the fluid plates and, if necessary, top it up. Use only distilled water (water that is boiled and allowed to cool). Avoid overfilling and clean any spillage.

Keep the battery clean. Clean the terminals with warm (not hot) soapy water and remove any acid or dirt build-up, which can cause the battery to self-discharge quicker.

Secure the battery. Make sure the battery is secured properly and not moving around under bonnet.

Charge the battery regularly. If you normally drive only short distances, or use your car infrequently, you may need to take a longer (one hour) drive each week to ensure the battery stays charged. Shorter trips, or excessive idling, is not enough to charge the battery, and will shorten its lifespan.

Switch off before you switch on. Switch all other devices in your vehicle off before your switch the car on. These include the air-conditioner, radio, lights, seat warmers, windscreen wipers, and demisters.

Alternator belts. Check the belts for fraying or cracking. A loose alternator belt is a common cause of battery failure.

Service your car. Poor engine condition can overload the battery, so ensuring your car is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications will extend the battery’s life.

Call the AA. If your battery is dying, call the AA first to replace it. The AA will come to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

If you struggle to start your vehicle, do not crank the engine continuously as this may damage the starter, battery, and other electronic components.

READER REVIEW: Crescentia Ndimande takes charge of the BMW F 900 XR at the 15th International Female Ride Day

vuyi on May 10, 2021

Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me, so, when it came to selecting a bike, I had to be mindful of which it would be.

– Crescentia Ndimande

Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me. Not that I am diminutive but rather it is important that any motorcycle I chose has to accommodate my particular height. So, when it came to selecting a bike to use at the 15^thInternational Female Ride Day 2021 I was careful in the iron horse which I would champion.

The models on display at BMW Motorrad Fourways, were all appealing and at first, I gravitated towards the R 1600 RT; but after sitting on it I realized I would need to choose something much lower. Gift Gumbi, Motorrad Sales Executive, suggested I try the F 900 XR and I immediately remembered it as the bike which Vuyi Mpofu had used on her Pride of Africa Ride the previous year. Knowing that Vuyi is approximately the same height as me, I was hopeful that the F 900 XR would ‘fit’ me too.

Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity.

– CRESCENTIA NDIMANDE

The model available to me was Galvanic Gold and from the moment I sat astride it I was confident the F 900 XR would suit me just fine.

To be sure, however, I asked to take it for a quick spin and discovered, to my delight, that it was a Keyless ride, further scoring it points in my book.

The convenience of it being keyless signaled I would not have to worry about searching for the key in the numerous pockets of my jacket and pants.

Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity. Fitted as standard, I knew this feature would be handy during this and any other ride.

The screen is big enough to read comfortably while riding, which is great news for people like me who wear glasses or contact lenses. Satisfied with my final choice, I left the dealership and spent the next few days familiarizing myself with the features of the F 900 XR.

The day of the Ride finally arrived and to my dismay, it was cold and wet. Fortunately, the mid-range F 900 XR is fitted with “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. I simply selected the appropriate mode to suit the wet tarmac and set off to meet the other women from all across Gauteng who would be attending the ride.

Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency. The F 900 XR weighs 219kg and at first, this had been a concern for me because I had had a tennis elbow operation on my right hand. 219kg is a hefty amount of metal but instead, the sports adventure bike proved light and easy to manoeuver.

Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency.

Of all the things I found impressive about the F 900 XR, I was most taken by its upright, yet relaxed riding position. I could quite easily see myself riding very long distances without fear of discomfort and lower back pain.

Overall, my time on the F 900 XR was too short – as if any amount of time would suffice – and I would highly recommend it to any lady looking for a motorcycle that isn’t a superbike. That said, I would want BMW Motorrad to make the Electronic Suspension Adjustment, a standard feature to make it easier for short riders to get on and off it safely and with ease.

Priced from: R 217 000 – 00

Thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways for the bike loan

About Crescentia Ndimande

Crescentia Ndimande, mother of two, has been riding motorbikes since 2006, after being introduced in the biking fraternity by her late brother in law in 1991. Crescentia is part of Cancervive, and co-owns Dynamic Road Safety alongside her husband. Over the years, Crescentia has ridden a variety of bikes namely the Indian Chieftain, Triumph Rocket, Thunderbird 1700cc, Commander, Tiger 800cc, Harley 1200c, Hayabusa 1300cc, Honda Blackbird 1100cc, VFR 1200cc.