May 31, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Kia teases first images of all-new Sportage

vuyi on May 31, 2021

Kia has revealed the first official teaser images of the all-new Sportage – the fifth incarnation of the brand’s most popular SUV model.

Kia has revealed the first official teaser images of the all-new Sportage – the fifth incarnation of the brand’s most popular SUV model.

Due to be revealed in July in Korea, the new Sportage has been carefully crafted to establish new benchmarks in its segment – for its advanced exterior and interior design, connectivity tech, and responsive yet highly efficient powertrains.

Revealed earlier this year to great acclaim from the design community, Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – is at the core of the Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. The early images hint at an assertive and cutting-edge presence for the SUV – paying homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity whilst connecting with the brand’s new design direction.

With the new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward, but rather move to a completely different level within the SUV class
Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center

Muscular exterior and innovative interior

The new Sportage has a muscular stance and a strong yet refined silhouette. Notable new details include the crisp, taught character lines that ripple across the surfaces. The front creates an instant and thought-provoking statement, with a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. At the rear, muscular shoulder lines drop gently to meet slim daytime-running lamps, which flank the new Kia logo and Sportage emblem.

The interior design sketch reveals a driver-orientated space that plays with boldness in character, softness in qualities and innovation in technology. At the core is a beautifully sculpted integrated curved display.

“Taking inspiration from an ethos we created where nature meets modernity, the new Sportage challenges design norms with an adventurous yet contemporary exterior and a beautifully detailed and pioneering interior,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center. “With the new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward, but rather move to a completely different level within the SUV class.”

More details regarding design features of the all-new Sportage will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Tips to Stay Ahead of Fuel Price Hikes

vuyi on May 31, 2021

With the fuel price in South Africa hovering at an all-time high, most drivers are open to any suggestions on how to get a little bit more from their tank.

With the fuel price in South Africa hovering at an all-time high, most drivers are open to any suggestions on how to get a little bit more from their tank. While it seems motorists might get some relief from these record-high prices in June 2021, it is always worthwhile driving as fuel efficiently as possible.

Here are five tips to make your tank go quite a bit further.

1. Plan your travelling

One of the best ways to save fuel is to drive less. This can be done by proper planning, for example instead of going to the mall every day, rather allocate a bit more time and go once a week. If you need to travel a fair distance for appointments, try to group them with other stops that you need to make in the same area. Where possible avoid rush hour, as travelling during peak hour means a long journey in terms of time and your car will use more fuel. Leaving timeously will also mean you are less rushed and driving in a relaxed manner is a sure way of saving fuel.

2. Change your driving style

The way you drive is the biggest contributor to the amount of fuel it uses. Avoid speeding between intersections and excessively revving your vehicle. A smooth, gradual, acceleration technique is the most economical way to drive, as is maintaining a constant speed on the highway and sticking to the speed limit.

3. Limit your use of the air conditioning

Your car’s air conditioner can contribute as much as 5% to your fuel bill, especially when stationary. It is a good idea to turn it off when you are standing still and switch it back on once you are up to speed.

4. Check your tyre pressures regularly

Underinflated tyres are a huge contributor to unnecessary fuel consumption. Tyres should be checked regularly and inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications for the amount of load you are carrying. The correct pressures are normally found in the doorframe or fuel flap of your vehicle or in the owner’s manual.

5. Lose that extra weight

Extra weight in your vehicle will also push up its fuel consumption, therefore you should avoid any unnecessary weight by removing non-essential items. The same goes for unnecessary accessories like roof racks and bicycle carriers that not only add weight but also disrupt the aerodynamic properties of your vehicle.

While these tips will go a long way in saving you a few Rands, having the right vehicle for the job is the easiest way to save money. If you happen to be car-shopping, investing in a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle is the easiest way to save money.

CAR REVIEW: Meet the WR-V, Honda’s offering to the Compact SUV segment

vuyi on May 31, 2021

When I first drove the WR-V in 2020, I wasn’t convinced it could compete against its rivals, but after having it on test, I am happily eating humble pie
– Vuyi Mpofu, Founder & MD, Driving In HEELS South Africa

I have a confession: When I first drove the Honda WR-V at launch in Franschhoek, I wasn’t particularly enthralled with it. In truth, my focus had been on the latest generation and better-known Ballade which was also unveiled on the day same. That said, when the opportunity arose to get the WR-V, the 4^thsoft-roader from the Japanese manufacturer, on a 7-day test period, I didn’t hesitate.

As I approached my Radiant Red Metallic test unit I had to admit it was a more than decent-looking compact SUV.

Watching the light bouncing off the WR-R as it glistened under the tepid autumn sun my mind referenced the business presentation at which Honda South Africa had stated that the WR-V was built on the same platform as the proven Jazz and BR-V.

I had the range-topping 1.2 Elegance derivative, which is well put together but, features a load of hard plastics as expected.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

Featuring typical Honda design features, the WR-V boasts typical Honda styling cues such as LED headlights which flank a chrome-wing grille, C-shaped taillights, and LED DTRL (daytime running lights). Smiling, it dawned on me that the Honda WR-V is a bigger, more aggressive, and robust version of the Honda Jazz dressed in gym gear, doing leg extensions.

I had the range-topping 1.2 Elegance derivative, which is well put together but, features a load of hard plastics as expected. Equipped with a 7” touchscreen infotainment system (with 6 speakers).

As I settled into the comfortable fabric driver’s seat, I remembered that Honda manufacturers cars which, to put it gently, don’t go very fast.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and supports Bluetooth telephony as well as an app-based navigation feature. Other creature comforts include electric windows, multifunction steering wheel, rear park sensors, auto aircon, keyless entry (with push-button start), cruise control, and reverse-view camera.

My first drive was a visit to friends and family in Mpumalanga. As I settled into the comfortable fabric driver’s seat, I remembered that Honda manufacturers cars which, to put it gently, don’t go very fast, and as such, I prepared my mind for an unhurried drive – but I was in for a surprise!

With 66kW available on tap, my Honda WR-V Elegance blazed a trail towards the place where the sun rises, at an unexpectedly brisk pace. Despite being powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, I occasionally found myself reaching for a non-existent 6^thgear whereas the WR-V is only available in 5-speed manual transmission.

I quickly realized that the compact SUV runs out of puff on long ascending portions of a drive
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

Currently, the WR-V is not available in CVT automatic transmission which I secretly believe Honda will have to address very soon to compete with rivals in this segment as well as accommodate those who don’t want an over-developed left calf due to driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

As the WR-V and I meandered up the uphill sections on the back routes from Gauteng to Mpumalanga, I quickly realized that the compact SUV runs out of puff on long ascending portions of the drive. I didn’t like having to engage the gears so often as I did, but the more the WR-V moaned on the inclines, the more I intuitively understood that the gear ratios on the manual transmission SUV are spaced closely, meaning I had no option but to gear up and down pretty often to squeeze the most from the engine – especially on uphills and when overtaking.

That said, the WR-V tends to get up to and maintain high speeds on straight and level roads with relative ease.

By far, the most remarkable aspect of the Honda WR-V is its “Magic Seat”

Reaching the gravel roads leading to my final destination, the WR-V’s 173mm ground clearance, black protective cladding, and dual side skid plates came in handy as I crawled over the uneven terrain.

Riding on 16-inch heels as standard, the compact SUV made easy work of the rocky surface highlighting just how practical the WR-V is in urban and rural settings.

The biggest letdown for me about the Honda WR-V is its thirstiness.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

By far, the most remarkable aspect of the Honda WR-V is its “Magic Seat” – a system that allows the rear seats to be configured in a multitude of ways to accommodate standard and odd-shaped parcels without compromising the seating comfort of at least 1 rear seat passenger.

Speaking of rear-seat passengers, the Honda WR-V proved to have generous rear leg-room as demonstrated by the numerous vertically blessed villagers who suddenly needed rides to the nearest shops, clinic, and police station.

To score a ride in the WR-V, one teenager asked to transport his mountain bicycle to a repair shop and I was by far the most surprised party to discover that we didn’t need to remove either wheel to fit the bicycle into the SUV.

The WR-V’s pricing could set it wheels and roof rails above its rivals.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

The biggest letdown for me about the Honda WR-V is its thirstiness. At first, I chastised myself, thinking I had driven the WR-V as hard as I normally drive test cars but when my test period ended and I had sheepishly done the maths, I calculated that Honda’s claim of 6.4litres/100km was approximately 2-litres less than my 8-litres per 100km. Upon further consideration, I realized I had had to stomp the fuel pedal much harder and more often than usual, to get the power I needed to get the compact SUV going.

From a safety point of view, the WR-V give the same level of peace of mind we expect and are accustomed to from Honda being ABS, EBD, ISOFIX anchorage points, and fog lamps.

I am excited that I got to better apply myself to Honda’s compact SUV offering than I did when it was launched. During the test period, I realized that the WR-V competes against the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue, Haval H1, Mahindra XUV300, Suzuki Breeza, and Renault Captur to mention a few of its rivals. However, the WR-V’s pricing could set it wheels and roof rails above its rivals. It also offers the right styling and the right aftersales support to make it a major consideration for those on the market for a capable compact SUV.

PRICING

WR-V 1.2 Comfort MT R289 900

WR-V 1.2 Elegance MT R327 700

The WR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan, and 3-year AA Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are at every 15 000kms