December 15, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is here and it offers a new kind of comfort

vuyi on December 15, 2021

By H&H Admin

A new type of comfort zone is here to challenge the status quo. The 6th generation C-Class boasts minimalist design, luxurious comfort and innovative assistance systems.

The new C-Class, which reaches local showrooms from December 2021, is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Cars plants in Bremen, Beijing and East London.

Mark Raine, Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa says the fact that East London is one of three global manufacturing plants for the new C-Class is a ‘massive success story’ for the local industry.

Mark Raine:Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa Image: Going Places/Malaysia Airlines

Bigger, better, sleeker

“The new C-Class is a sportive incarnation of luxury. It combines dynamic proportions with reduced design lines and sculptural surfaces. I have no doubt that the new C-Class will excite current and future customers with its wide range of high-tech features derived from the flagship S-Class”, said Mark Raine, Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

Considerably larger than its predecessor, with a length of 4751 mm and a width of 1820 mm, the wheelbase of the incoming C-Class has been increased by 25 mm to 2865 mm. It features a dynamic exterior design and a sumptuous interior that borrows heavily from the flagship S-Class.

“The new C-Class is being launched into the South Africa market initially with the C200 and C220d engine derivatives, both sporting four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family,” said Selvin Govender, Director of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The C200 boasts power delivery of 150kw and 300Nm of torque, while the C220d delivers 147kw and 440Nm of Torque. The C220d achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.6l/100km and the C200 achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.6l/100km.

Govender added, “The C200 is also available at launch in a limited debut edition known as Edition 6, which has numerous visual accents which underlines its exclusivity. Edition 6 will be limited to 400 units.

Technical view at a glance:

		C 200	C 220 d
Displacement	cc	1496	1993
Output	kW	150	147
at	rpm	5800-6100	3600
Add. output (boost)	kW	15	15
Peak torque	Nm	300	440
at	rpm	1800-4000	1800-2800
Add. torque (boost)	Nm	200	200
Combined fuel consumption[1]	l/100 km	6.6-6.2	4.6-4.3
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	7.3	7.3
Top speed	km/h	246	245
Total fuel consumption WLTP	l/100 km	7.2-6.3	5.2-4.4
Retail Price		R849 000	R908 500

Is your vehicle ready for the holidays?

vuyi on December 15, 2021

By H&H Admin

It is important to prepare well for the trip, whether you’re travelling for just a few hours or embarking on a long road trip with overnight stops.

It’s been another tough year filled with mental and emotional stress, increased responsibilities, on-going financial commitments and uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic.

As we get into the holiday season, taking much needed time off to relax is a definite must. Restrictions on global travel present South Africans with a perfect opportunity to explore our beautiful country. However, it is also the time when the roads become congested with a high number of vehicles ranging from passenger cars and motorcycles to trucks and buses.

Here are some road safety tips to take note of before you set off:

Tyres

Before you set off, remember to check your tyres. The tread on your tyres should be within the legal limit and the pressure should be adjusted especially if you have a heavy load. It is also a good idea to ensure that you have packed the correct tools with which to change a flat tyre and that the spare wheel’s pressure and tread are in good condition before you embark on your trip.

Lights

One of the most important (and cheapest to replace) items on your pre-travel checklist should be your car’s lighting system. Ask a friend or family member to help in ensuring that all lights including headlights, taillights, brake lights, hazard lights and indicators are working properly.

It is recommended to drive with your lights on at all times on a long journey, so as to ensure you are visible at all times.

Brakes

Effective brakes are crucial on all vehicles, not only during long-distance driving but at all times. Brake pads should be inspected by a qualified technician – any squeaks or scraping sounds are signs that brake replacements are probably necessary.

Vibrations on your pedal when braking indicate warped discs, which are a sign that the brakes either need skimming or replacing.

Battery

It is also important to have your battery checked by an authorised dealer. This is a simple and relatively quick test. While battery replacement can be relatively pricey, so could the cost of a tow truck if one is needed to come to your rescue.

Wipers

Streaks or smears on your windscreen are a sign that your wipers may need to be replaced. Driving through rain or a thunderstorm with worn wiper blades is an extremely dangerous and unnecessary risk, even more so on long drives.

Fluids

Most modern cars make the inspection of fluid levels such as coolant, power steering and brake fluid quite easy for the average driver. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, have them checked by your dealer or at the filling station. If the car is lacks any fluids, this could lead to overheating during the drive.

Driving for long hours on busy roads requires patience, staying alert and focused concentration, especially if you’re traveling with young children.

Be aware of other cars on the road at all times, drive within the speed limit and remember, safety first. A little respect goes a long way on the open road. Be mindful at all times.

Source: Wesbank Financial Services

The Legal Implications of Drinking and Driving

vuyi on December 15, 2021

By H&H Admin

South Africans have a culture of driving under the influence of alcohol which often leads to serious damage to property, injury, death and imprisonment and many people.

Sadly, drinking and driving during the festive season, has become a norm in South Africa, resulting in members of the South African Police Service (“SAPS”) ruthlessly implementing the law and frequently conducting road blocks during this period.

Is drinking and driving a criminal offence in South Africa?

Yes it is. Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 (the “NRA”’) sets out the legal limits and prohibitions for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. It stipulates that no one shall drive or even occupythe driver’s seat of a motor vehicle on a public road if they are over the legal limit.

What is the legal limit?

In terms of the NRA, no person shall operate a motor vehicle whilst having more than 0.05 gram per 100ml in their blood. When being breathalysed not more than 0.24mg per 1,000ml, however Parliament plans on changing the laws by this December to zero alcohol in a person’s blood.

What happens when you are caught drinking and driving?

A law enforcement official, (a member of SAPS or Metropolitan Police), has the discretion to choose whether they want to use a breathalyser or not.

If you are breathalysed or if it is clear that you are under the influence, or are over the limit, you will be arrested. You must furnish your details to the law enforcer. Should you give false information, you will have further charges to your name.

Once you have been arrested, the officer will take you into custody. In terms of Section 37, you cannot refuse permission for a blood test to be taken, however you are entitled to have your medical practitioner present and you can request to see the sealed needle and syringe when being tested.

What happens if I refuse to get tested for alcohol in my blood?

Should you refuse to have your blood taken and the office needs to take further measures, a police order, knows as a SAP308, will be handed down. This form is to be completed by the officer and then handed to the medical practitioner present. SAP308 specifically instructs the medical practitioner to determine the alcohol levels. Should the medical practitioner disobey the order, they too can be charged for obstructing the ends of justice.

If a medical practitioner did not receive this order prior to the examination, the touching of, or introduction of a needle into the body will be interpreted as an assault.

How will they decide to conduct tests to prove I am over the limit?

However, prior to the medical practitioner conducting the blood testing, he or she will conduct an evaluation to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence to prove intoxication.

The evaluation includes the accused person’s appearance with particular attention given to:

Clothing. Does the person appear neat or dishevelled, (are their buttons done up properly, is the belt buckled correctly, is their fly unzipped etc?)
The smell or alcohol on their clothing or breath
The presence of puke
General demeanour, e.g., is the person, argumentative, aggressive, coherent?

The onus will be upon your legal representative to argue that you are not over the limit and your conduct is everyday normal behaviour.

Thereafter, a docket will then be opened which will be sent to the investigating officer who will follow up on the results.

What happens after I get arrested for driving under the influence?

You will be detained in a holding cell until you are granted bail or make an appearance in court. This needs to be done within 48 hours. Weekends are not included in the 48 hours so, if you are arrested over a weekend, chances are you will be detained for longer than 48hours. The maximum amount of time you could spend in a holding cell if you are arrested over the weekend is 72 hours.

On the day of your court appearance, the Magistrate will grant bail should he find that it is in the interest of justice. Your bail can be extended or postponed for 7 working days should the magistrate find the need to postpone your bail.

What is the legal consequences of drinking under the influence? What is the punishment for drunk driving in South Africa?

If convicted of drunk driving, you face imprisonment of up to 6 years or a fine. The fine is set at a minimum amount of R2,000.00. You also face the risk of having your driver’s license suspended.

The court has the discretion to hand down a suspend sentence on condition that you do not drink and drive again.

Will I have a criminal record if I am found guilty of drunk driving?

Yes, you will have a criminal record up to 10 years.

It is of vital importance to appoint a specialist drunk driving attorney to ensure that your matter gets argued in such a manner that it will not lead to imprisonment and/or a criminal record.

Source: Burger Huyser Attorneys