My relationship with motorcycles started out on a Honda NC750X in 2019. Granted, I had had an on / off relationship with motorbikes since 2015 when I first straddled a motorized bike, but it would take the better part of 4 years for me to finally commit to learning how to ride.
Using the correct child car seat sizes for the age and weight of the child is crucial. Harnessing an infant in a seat that is too big is dangerous, as is trying to fit a child into a seat that they have outgrown.
As a parent, it is important that you find a car seat which fits your child. However, the best or most expensive car seat won’t work to keep your child safe if it isn’t installed correctly
New traffic management legislation is set to catch many motorists by surprise as it rolls out over the coming months.
New traffic management legislation is set to catch many motorists by surprise as it rolls out over the coming months. Stricter penalties for even minor infractions could land you in hot water. Sharon Pretorius, Regional Operations Manager at Supa Quick offers the following tips on how to not only stay safe but stay on the right side of the law.
In July, the Minister of Transport reminded South Africans that the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act had started to be rolled out, after a year of delays due to the pandemic.
Under the new law, you could easily and quickly accumulate the 12 demerit points that can result in a license suspended. For instance, just driving at 90 km/h in a 60kph zone could earn six demerit points in one shot.
While good driving can keep you from being legally penalised, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Here are four key focus areas where you can keep your vehicle in the best condition, ensuring that you don’t have any accidents.
It is vital to ensure optimal functioning of your vehicle’s power system, especially as you adapt to changes in weather and emergencies. Ensuring that your battery, spark plugs, and exhaust system are in good order is one of the best and easiest preventative measures to ensure that you are safe in even the most extreme environmental, road and traffic conditions.
Potholes, obscure traffic signs and unpredictable behaviour by pedestrians and other motorists was one of the most recurring issue reported in the recent 2021 Road Safety Run. While you can’t do much about external factors, you can ensure that your windscreen is clear of cracks, your lights are working, and rearview mirrors are properly installed. So, with the rainy season now upon us, you will be better able to see these external hazards and warnings ahead of time, not only saving lives, but a costly ticket as well.
Your vehicle’s ability to maintain steadiness in turns and sudden changes in speed is critical to helping you to better adhere to the rules of the road. A quick check of your shock absorbers and brakes, along with wheel alignment, will give you better stability, vastly bringing down your risk of being in an accident.
The only thing between your fast-moving vehicle and the road is merely the width of the palm of your hand, the tyre. Such an important part of your vehicle should receive the attention it deserves, but it often doesn’t and a huge portion of crashes on long distance roads are often found to be the result of worn or damaged tyres. Properly balance tyres, with sufficient tread, will ensure that you maintain full control of your vehicle even in adverse weather, such as thunderstorms.
As was reflected in the recent 2021 Road Safety Run, roadworthiness is an effective prevention against road accidents. Following the easy principles above with regular safety checks at your nearest Supa Quick, rather than just looking at individual car parts, can offer you the peace of mind you need to keep you out of harm’s way, as well as out of reach of the long arm of the law.
Earlier this week I attended the launch of the much anticipated B40 PLUS range; a handsomely rugged, ready-for-adventure SUV from BAIC South Africa.
Drive along any road, at any time day or night, anywhere in South Africa and you will be gobsmacked by the number of motorists who text whilst driving. For each person you see whose eyes are glued to the screen of their handset, there is another person on the other end of the line equally guilty of causing a potentially fatal driving situation.
For events coordinator, Ayanda*, the cold and harsh reality of interacting with someone who was driving, irrevocably changed her life forever when she inadvertently contributed to the fatal road accident which claimed the life of her fiancé, Vincent*, 6 weeks prior to their big day.
Mixed emotions grew within me as I awaited Ayanda’s arrival for our interview. On the one hand, I marvelled at her courage for sharing such a personal story but couldn’t help being furious about her and Vincent’s carelessness. On the other, my heart broke for her and I was wrecked with fear because this is something which could happen to anyone. In the midst of all that, I also felt a sense of hopelessness as the reality of how ineffective the road safety #dontdrivedistracted messages really are.
If you had told me that being on the phone with someone who was driving could cause an accident, I might have paused
-Ayanda
I signaled to the woman wearing a bright green blouse at the entrance of our meeting spot and watched Ayanda glide across the room towards me. When she took off her designer sunglasses and I looked into her eyes, I was ill prepared for the pain of what she was about to share.
“If you had told me before the accident that being on the phone with someone who was driving could cause an accident I might have paused; but all the road safety messages I had ever heard and seen were directed at the driver and not at me, the person safely seated at their desk or at home. Maybe I would have been more strict with Vince about using Bluetooth and would not have texted him. Maybe he would still be alive”. Her voice was barely a whisper.
As she sipped on her water, I reflected on how many people, like Ayanda and Vincent believe that accidents happened to other people. In this instance however, the accident had happened to them, directly to Vincent, and with massive ramifications on Ayanda and their combined families.
“Vincent’s car was an extension of his office.” Ayanda’s soft voice penetrated my thoughts. “He made and received calls all the time whilst driving and even responded to texts and emails”, she continued. “In truth, he was involved in many near misses, and whenever I was in the car with him I would have to be his eyes and give him instructions to slow down whenever I noticed that he was too engrossed in a conversation to notice that the traffic light was turning red and that he needed to slow down. I did ask him not to use his phone so much but he would say he was working to make money for us. I couldn’t argue with that,” she said.
Whenever I was in the car with him I would have to be his eyes and give him instructions to slow down
-Ayanda
As our conversation unfolded, Ayanda confided that on the day of the accident, they were going on a romantic weekend away and that he had been scheduled to fetch her from her office at lunchtime. They had both been feeling stressed about the demands made by their families and the ever escalating costs of the wedding.
“We just needed some time out you know, just to regroup and focus on each other.” Her voice trailed off and there was a moment of uncomfortable silence before she continued. “I was barely paying attention in the meeting I was in, the client just kept repeating everything everyone had already said, so I started a Whatsapp conversation with Vincent to keep myself entertained.”
This was the only time her eyes lit up and she actually smiled. “Our chat was naughty and hot as always but halfway through he just stopped responding. At first I thought he was on a call, but 30 minutes later he still hadn’t texted me back. The meeting ended and I called him immediately but didn’t get an answer. He still hadn’t called or texted by lunch time when he was meant to have arrived at my office and I had begun to feel angry. I imagined he had agreed to have a ‘quick meeting’ and hadn’t told me because he knew how I would react,” her chuckle faded along with the brief twinkle that had been in her eyes up until this point.
Ayanda says she had tried to re-focus on her work whilst putting on a brave face for colleagues who were surprised that she was still in the office. “I called a taxi and angrily shoved my bags into the boot, holding back tears of frustration and faking a smile at the friendly taxi driver who had started on about the weather. “It never occurred to me that anything could have gone wrong, so when I got home, I called his friends to enquire about his whereabouts”, she recalls.
All the road safety messages I had ever heard and seen, were directed at the driver and not at me, the person safely seated at their desk or at home
-Ayanda
Hours later, Ayanda was woken up by an insistent buzzing of her doorbell, but her excitement and relief soon changed to inconsolable grief when she opened the door to the anguished look from the would have been best man of their wedding, telling her that Vincent had been in an accident earlier that morning.
Through the ensuing haze, Ayanda learnt that the fatal accident had occurred at 11:06, right in the middle of her text conversation with Vincent. According to police and eyewitnesses, Vincent had driven his sedan at high speed into the rear of a truck at a four way stop and had succumbed to his injuries almost immediately. He had not had time to react in any way, hence there were no skid marks on the road. Motorists whom he had passed a short distance prior reported seeing a man holding his phone whilst driving, seemingly texting.
What every motorist needs to know is that the human brain is physically unable to do more than one task at a time, hence it is not possible to give one’s full attention to the intricacies of driving whilst engaged in any other task such as texting, reading a map, etc. When driving distracted, our brains cannot register critical visual information which is why motorists tend to look at an object but not see it. In other words, a driver can be looking out of the windscreen at the car in front of theirs but not mentally process that there is indeed another vehicle there.
I agreed to do this interview so that I could share my story with others. We don’t talk about such things yet these things happen
-Ayanda
This is called cognitive blindness because the portion of the brain whose function it is to register such information would otherwise be engaged in the other task the driver would have allocated to it, such as texting. Cognitive blindness affects the crucial motor skills (e.g. eye, hand, foot coordination) required to react to the fast paced and ever changing driving environments of everyday life.
When you drive distracted your behaviour can often be described as erratic. Also, when you drive distracted;
Ayanda suffered a nervous breakdown and was hospitalised for almost 6 months in a psychiatric ward. She lost a considerable amount of weight as well as her job, car and apartment. It has taken her almost two years to regain herself and she still battles with feelings of guilt and regret. Her friends and family have learnt to switch their phones off when driving and she has had to rebuild almost every area of her life including the courage to drive (as she associated driving with Vincent’s death).
“I agreed to do this interview so that I could share my story with others. We don’t talk about such things yet these things happen. No one should go through what I have gone through and I just want everyone to know that it’s not just a call or a text, it is your life and it is the lives of those who love you. Seriously, guys don’t drive distracted”.
As I watched her leave at the end of our interview I felt almost as drained as she looked. Once again my emotions were in roller coaster mode. I couldn’t begin to imagine what Ayanda and Vincent’s families had gone through, and I was pained at how their worlds had unnecessarily changed. In my mind, Ayanda is now the poster child for the consequences of driving distracted and she and those around her have learnt an incredibly simple lesson in the cruelest way possible.
I can only hope, that her story will be more effective than our tireless #dontdrivedistrated message and most importantly, that her courage in sharing her story won’t be in vain.
*Names have been changed. ** This real-life interview was conducted by Vuyi Mpofu
It is important to look after your vehicle by servicing it regularly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s stipulated service intervals.
Everyone says that the value of any vehicle depreciates the moment you drive if off the dealership floor. This applies to both new and pre-owned vehicles; and while this is true in part, there are ways to protect and help maintain the value of your vehicle for future resale.
However, before we unpack some of the key factors that could affect the resale value of the vehicle, it is important to understand common terminology used by the motor industry when selling your vehicle.
If the vehicle also requires ongoing maintenance, it may be worth far less than you expected when the time comes to sell it.
Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank’s Communication Specialist
Photo Cred: Erick Mclean on Unsplash
Used vehicle websites can be extremely valuable for researching which vehicles are the most popular, the fastest selling and have held their resale value over time. The optimal time to trade in one’s vehicle is when the trade value of the vehicle is more or less in line with the settlement amount owed to the bank.
“Variables such as mileage and the overall condition of the vehicle will also affect the resale value. It can be tempting to consider a bargain deal on a particular vehicle because it has a high mileage, but this could prove to be costly down the line. If the vehicle also requires ongoing maintenance, it may be worth far less than you expected when the time comes to sell it,” explains Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank’s Communication Specialist.
Photo Cred: Liam Briese on unsplash
Another useful tip is to resist over-embellishing your car with aftermarket accessories
Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank’s Communication Specialist
To ensure that you get the best price for your car, here are a few simple ways to maintain your car’s resale value:
Photo Cred: Chad Kirchoff
“Another useful tip is to resist over-embellishing your car with aftermarket accessories. While part of the joy of owning a car is making it your own, these personal style additions could impact negatively on its resale value. You might think oversized rims, outrageous body paint or a booming sound system are improvements but be aware that the next owner or the dealership where you plan to trade in your car, may not!” cautioned Mogatusi.
“Keeping your car clean and in as excellent condition as possible is probably the best way of ensuring it retains its value over time. A small scratch or dent might not seem like a big deal but accumulating dents or scratches over time will detract from the car’s overall appeal,” says Mogatusi.
I was over the moon when receiving my invitation to sample the new range of big rigs from Volvo Trucks but was even more excited about meeting Volvo’s Iron Women, the company’s newly trained female truck drivers.
For the longest time, trucks have been as much a part of my DNA as have cars and motorcycles. My fascination with big rigs began when I first heard the blare of a heavy hauler’s horn. Till date, that sound makes me giggle almost uncontrollably and even when I go on a motorcycle ride, I almost always signal to truckers to blare their horn; much to their delight.
Up till the day of the Volvo FH series launch I had never been inside a Volvo truck. I was more familiar with the Swedish company’s competitor products and I was keen to see how Volvo measured up from a safety, environmentally friendly and ease of driving point of view.
As the day of the launch drew closer, I prioritized doing a bit of research. I wasn’t about to turn up at a launch without knowing as much as I could about the products of honour! I discovered that the first Volvo truck was produced in 1928, since then, the Swedish Truck company has grown to become the largest producer of heavy duty trucks in Europe.
The Volvo FH series being unveiled to the South African trucking media was in a new product cycle with the previous generation trucks having been revealed in October 2013. At that stage, the company had introduced eight model variants some of which were set to be assembled at Volvo’s Truck plant in Durban.
After completing registration and the necessary COVID regulations on launch day, I settled down for the business presentation which highlighted the selling points of Volvo’s four new heavy duty vehicles – the Volvo FH, Volvo FH16, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX.
Volvo FH and Flagship FH16
My heart was sold on the FH and FH16 trucks. These are the big boys of the range and the ones I wanted to drive or at least, be a passenger in, seeing as my learners’ license didn’t qualify me to get behind the wheel.
The Volvo FH and FH16 are similar in design. The FH16 is the company’s sexy flagship long haul truck and accounts for approximately three-quarters of Volvo Trucks sales. It has been crowned International Truck of the Year three times and for a good reason.
The unmistakeable shape of the imposing new Volvo FH and FH16 cabs are smooth around the edges, giving the truck a powerful and aerodynamic look. Most striking are the characteristic V-shaped LED daytime running lights. These are available in three different versions; one based on halogen technology and the other two based on LED technology. The iconic headlamps not only give the FH and FH16 their iconic expression, but the lamps are technologically designed to make visibility in day and night time driving easier and safe.
The distinctive lines of the headlamp sweep effortlessly to blend with the cab’s shape before continuing around the front corner and extending along the cab sides. The Volvo FH16 grille has a silver finish and the overall design of the truck demands attention both when standing still and in full stride.
Driver-friendly and jam-packed with innovative safety features aimed at protecting its occupants and other road users, the mighty FH16 is equipped with a six-cylinder, 16-litre in-line diesel engine that produces 410kW/2500Nm or 610kW/2800Nm. It is fitted with an electronically controlled Brake System (EBS) which is a requirement for safety features such as Forward Collision Warning and Electronic Stability Control.
As I was not permitted to put my foot on the pedal of either FH or FH16 truck, I had to be content with being a passenger – which in itself was quite an experience. My first challenge was getting into the cabin. Standing just shy of 4-meters tall, my 1,56-meter frame was dwarfed by the height of the FH truck I had opted to ride in. Fortunately, the entry steps, with aluminium inlays, gave me the leverage I needed to reach the door handle.
All Volvo FH models equipped with a new driver interface
Once inside, I was greeted by Mieky Chabangu, one of the 30 ladies who have completed the Volvo Iron Women truck driver training programme. While getting acquainted with her, I couldn’t help but notice the layout of the interior of the driver’s area. Compared to the models of 2013, the new FH range of trucks have a completely new interface for information and communication, aimed at making it easier to reach and manage different functions. The instrument display is fully digital with a 12-inch screen, making it effortless for the driver to select the information needed at any given time.
Also within comfortable reach of the driver, is a supplementary 9-inch side display available for infotainment, navigation, transport information and camera monitoring. These functions can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.
Behind the 2-seater cabin is a comfortable double-bunker sleeping space fitted with single mattresses. I was in awe of the attention to detail Volvo has put into the entire range, but in experiencing the sleeping cabin I had to give the truck designers a slow clap of approval for going above and beyond. To ensure that the driver has the most comfortable sleep possible, the beds can be adjusted (for instance, to compensate for the truck being parked on a slope), meaning there is little to no chance of even the most restless of drivers rolling out of bed. I felt that was really thoughtful given the conditions some truck drivers find themselves in. All I could say was wow… just wow.
Taking a drive in the FH
Mieky fired up the engine and slowly but confidently rolled her rig out of its parking bay, pointing it towards the main road. She shared how the Iron Women truck driver training course had changed her life and that of her family, allowing her to earn a dignified income while inspiring other women to follow suite. She also talked about something I already knew and am passionate about; being that there are too few women in the trucking industry. That said, we both acknowledged that it is not an easy environment to be in.
“Our male counterparts are generally not happy about seeing female truck drivers so one has to have a thick skin. Fortunately I have a very supportive husband and family so not much gets to me. Furthermore, our trucks are digitally connected so we have access to assistance at any given time. As a company, Volvo Trucks is very cognisant of our safety and well-being and for that I am extremely grateful,” she added.
Between you and me, the drive along the open road in the Muldersdrift area was probably the longest ride of my life and if you know anything about me, you know that I like my engines with more than just a bit of vooma! Understandably, long-haul trucks are not designed to get you anywhere in a hurry so I used the time to inspect the cabin more thoroughly.
The most satisfying aspect of the FH (and others in the range) is that both driver and passenger have air suspension seats, making the ride extremely comfortable as one does not feel the jarring pain of an unevenly surfaced road.
As Mieky and I continued to chat, I noticed that although she steered the FH quite gracefully there is no getting around the fact that a truck needs quite a wide berth to turn and both hands are needed to manoeuver it. For those who are in the habit of using a mobile phone while driving, trucking is not for you; and for motorists who don’t remember the K53 rules – this is why you sometimes have to reverse or swing your ride to the side in order to give a big rig space to safely turn.
Most notable highlights within new Volvo Trucks range
I couldn’t help but notice how quiet the interior of the cab was. Mieky explained that the cab had been manufactured with reinforced insulation resulting in a drastic reduction in exterior noise permeating into the cab. I found this quite extraordinary given that I’ve test driven cars whose insulation was so poor that one could not have the aircon and radio on and have a conversation at normal voice levels, all at the same time; one had to choose between the three!
In case you are wondering, it is quite possible to stand up straight in the cabin of an FH and FH16; and that’s not unique to those of my height. To me this means a driver can get up and stretch her legs while waiting in a queue at, let’s say a toll gate at the start or end of a public holiday – without getting out of the truck.
Also, there are many storage compartments within the FH and FH16 and I got to wondering if the overall designer of the range was not a woman! The storage space sizes range from being big enough to ‘consume a fully-loaded handbag’ to smaller trays for other little ‘thingamajigs’.
The truck’s gear lever design and placement is probably one of the range’s most remarkable features. It is located next to the driver’s seat as if part of the seat itself and not on the steering column or on the floor of the cabin. This gives the interior of the truck a feeling of spaciousness and my mind went to all that I have read about fung shui, (the Chinese system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of (chi) energy). Perhaps it is the positive chi within the FH range of trucks which make them feel so inviting and easy to drive.
Verdict
I walked away from the Volvo FH series launch determined to proceed with my truck driver’s license. Inspired by the ladies who had completed the Iron Women truck driver training course and having experienced the ease of driving the Swedish long haulers I resolved that it was time to complete my trilogy of licenses – car, motorcycle and 22-wheels.
The comfort, ergonomics, manoeuvrability, safety and visibility aspects of the Volvo FH range should be key factors for any fleet manager or person entering the trucking sector. Given our country’s alarmingly high accident rate in general and crash statistics involving trucks I would much rather drive or ride in the vicinity of a Volvo truck than any other. And should you notice that it is a female driver, I encourage you to give her a thumbs up as you make your way safely around her truck.
“I am who I am because we are”
The Ubuntu Adventure began as a road trip down memory lane. Conceptualized by founder, Vuyi Mpofu, as a way to reminisce about her childhood in the village, she set off on the first Ubuntu Adventure in 2018. True to the spirit of Ubuntu, the trip focused on the societal values which embody the meaning of the word: compassion, respect and solidarity.
Leaving behind her heels, nail tips, make-up kit and a vast array of wigs, Vuyi ventured towards the coast in the peak of the festive holiday period. It was a spontaneous adventure and she began her trek without booking accommodation, let alone knowing exactly where she would sleep. The idea was to knock on doors in whichever community she found herself in at dusk and ask for a place to sleep; similar to how hers and countless other African families had done in the good old days when strangers were treated with hospitality, simply based on trust and humanity.
The loosely structured inaugural Ubuntu Adventure resulted in Vuyi arriving in the village of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape at nightfall and being accommodated by the chieftain of the village.
To pay her way, Vuyi embarked on various household chores in return for her stay. These included fetching water from the river, repairing a mud hut and fetching firewood; tasks innumerable Africans have and continue to do across the country.
Although well-received on social media and by its then corporate partners, Ubuntu Adventure did not take place again until now in 2021.
What is the event about?
Ubuntu Adventure aims to promote and celebrate South Africa’s diverse cultures, traditions and beliefs. We want to ignite a new appreciation for our beautiful country and all its people. Unlike its founding event of 2018, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Ubuntu Adventure 2021 could not translate into an engagement at grassroots level. Rather, it aimed to explore the scenic treasures within Kwa-Zulu Natal and focused on historical land sites which have shaped who we are as a nation.
Participants of Ubuntu Adventure 2021 were 6 motoring and lifestyle media professionals who collectively have an audience of over 10 million readers, viewers and listeners. Driving vehicles from Mitsubishi Motors – the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mitsubishi Xpander, both mid-size family-orientated vehicles, the journalists set off to explore the northern part of the province while testing how the Mitsubishi vehicles would fare over the 1 200km round trip.
The media, all family-orientated individuals, were on the lookout for aspects relating to space, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety and ease of driving along the journey.
Led by Vuyi Mpofu, the Adventure began in the culturally diverse Maboneng District in Gauteng, for an informal photo op, get-together and lunch. Briefed and ready to roll, the real adventure began the following day.
Look out for highlights from Day 1 on our social media platforms.
For years, Mercedes-Benz has been producing buses and coaches with increasingly varied and effective assistance systems, thus providing the best possible protection for all passengers and other road users.
Active safety to prevent accidents takes centre stage in the three-pointed star busses and coaches and these include:
The Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo represents continuous safety innovation. Within an already generous safety specification, key highlights include Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA 4) with pedestrian detection, standard fitment as of 2021, and optional Sideguard Assist turning warning system.
Mitsubishi’s all-new seven-seater Xpander is set to take the highly competitive South African market by storm.
Combining the traditional versatility and practicality of a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) with the rugged and sporty looks of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV), Mitsubishi’s all-new seven-seater Xpander is set to take the highly competitive South African market by storm.
“As the name suggests, the much anticipated Xpander is all about broadening one’s horizons, whether that be in terms of lifestyle choices, or family dynamics,” explains Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). “With the introduction of this very exciting addition to our line-up, we hope to strengthen our positions in both the MPV and compact SUV segments of the local market.”
The interior of the new Xpander might be all MPV, but the exterior screams SUV, so it’s equally well suited to everyday commuting, family road trips, and leisure activities. In addition, its stylish ruggedness and practicality mean you can take on a variety of terrains in confidence, without having to compromise on comfort.
There are two models in the local line-up. Both feature a 1.5-litre engine and the main difference between the two is the use of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
With sporty alloy wheels – 15-inch on the manual model and 16-inch of the automatic derivative – and wide flared fenders, the Xpander portrays toughness and power from the first glance. Crystal clear headlights, daytime running lights, and L-illuminated LED taillights that extend onto the tailgate add to the overall look.
The Xpander’s higher ground clearance of 205 mm is another feature that is immediately noticeable and emphasizes its sporty, but practical character.
Mitsubishi strongly believes in the principle of ‘Omotenashi’ – a Japanese word that captures the way in which Japanese hosts pay attention to detail and anticipate the needs of their guests. This approach is evident in the cabin of the all-new Xpander, which provides ample space for up to seven adults to travel in comfort and style.
The flexible seating can be configured to suit a variety of needs, ranging from carrying passengers and luggage to transporting lifestyle-focused items. The second-and third-row seats have a 60/40 split, while the seats of the third row can be folded completely flat and stowed to create additional space in the cargo area. The latter also features a floor box with a lid for the safe storage of smaller items.
Occupant comfort is further enhanced through full automatic air-conditioning with a manual rear overhead cooler, electric windows all round, USB port in the front, 120 Watt power sockets to supply every row of seating, and clever storage compartments under the seats to ensure that personal items are out of the way but within easy reach.
Driver comfort is ensured through a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel that features Bluetooth voice control for hands-free communication and a multi-information display. The rear-view camera has a high resolution that delivers optimal visibility and a wide field of vision.
The all-new Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve aluminium block engine. This spirited powerplant features Mitsubishi’s Intelligent Innovative Valve Timing Lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) system and ECI multipoint fuel injection and pushes out 77 kW at 6 000 r/min, with 141 Nm of peak torque on tap at 4 000 r/min.
With a fuel tank of 45 litres, the average fuel consumption in a combined cycle is 6.9 litres/100 km for the manual model and 7.0 litres/100 km for the automatic derivative.
Befitting its status as a people carrier, the all-new Xpander features a range of innovative safety features as standard. Designed to protect not only the driver and passengers but other road users as well, these include airbags for the driver and front passenger, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), as well as an impact-absorbing structure at the front-end of the vehicle. Additional safety for young occupants is provided through ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The Xpander also benefits from coming-home and welcome lights which enhance its overall safety, security, and practicality.
The new Mitsubishi Xpander is covered by a three-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a two-year/30 000 km service plan. The price also includes five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km/1 Year whichever comes first.
Xpander 1.5L M/T: R299 995
Xpander 1.5L A/T: R319 995
I remember the original Honda Ballade featured headlights that folded down flush with the bonnet and everyone thought it the height of elegance at the time.
– MICHELLE YORK, GM SOUTH AFRICAN GUILD OF MOTORING JOURNALISTS & FREELANCER FOR DRIVING IN HEELS
I remember the original Honda Ballade from the ’80s with headlights that folded down flush with the bonnet. Everyone thought it the height of elegance and the Ballade soon became one of Honda’s most iconic and successful models. Almost 4 decades later and a name change detour via Civic that I won’t delve into, the 8thGeneration Honda Ballade is back with a 3-model line-up – Comfort, Elegance, and the range-topping RS.
The RS moniker refers to “Road Sailing” and not, as one might think, to a more powerful engine
– MICHELLE YORK, GM SOUTH AFRICAN GUILD OF MOTORING JOURNALISTS & FREELANCER FOR DRIVING IN HEELS
The all-new Ballade is an attractive sedan with a sculpted body and striking lines. The front boasts a bold grille design as well as the new slim headlight treatment shared with the larger Honda Civic. The rear lights instantly reminded me of a certain little German car that I am rather fond of. The Ballade has a slightly lower centre of gravity and is marginally larger than its predecessor, all of which translates to impressive road handling.
I had the flagship Honda Ballade RS on test, and I simply had to slip in the word “ship” somewhere because the RS moniker refers to “Road Sailing” and not, as one might think, to a more powerful engine. While the Ballade does have a very capable suspension for our roads, the RS badge might cause a little confusion!
I took the Ballade RS on a drive to the diamond mining town of Cullinan to see if Honda had produced a real gem or cubic zirconia; bearing in mind that it enters the market amidst the likes of the Corolla Quest, VW Polo sedan, Mazda3, and Fiat Tipo. Here’s what I discovered.
The all-new Ballade introduces a new 1.5L DOHC engine with i-VTEC technology and a revised version of Honda’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It has a good road presence and solidly grips through corners giving it a safe overall feel. The CVT is relatively quiet but should you need to unexpectedly accelerate, you’ll be met with the distinctive CVT whine, but this is to be expected. Thankfully the RS comes fitted with paddle shifts, should the automatic gearbox need a little assistance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the new Honda Ballade and was impressed by its excellent fuel consumption, an admirable sales point in a time when the cost of living is soaring
The Ballade RS is an accomplished sedan with good finishes and the usual alphabet of features like ABS, EBD, VSA, etc. There is ample legroom in the front and rear and a generous boot that could easily fit a pram or set of golf clubs.
All models are fitted with ISOFIX child seat anchors making the Ballade a suitable option for those on the market for a capable family car. The all-new Ballade also offers those looking to make the upgrade from a hatchback to a vehicle that has a little more panache than the usual suspects on the market.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the new Honda Ballade and was impressed by its excellent fuel consumption, an admirable sales point in a time when the cost of living is soaring. After my trip to Cullinan, I can confirm that the Honda Ballade is not a cubic zirconia, it’s a little diamond and diamonds are a girl’s best friend after all.
Priced from :
Ballade Comfort 1.5: R 336 500
Ballade Elegance 1.5: R 366 900
Ballade Elegance 1.5: R 396 900
The Honda Ballade range comes standard with a five-year/200 000 warranty, four-year/60 000km, and three-year AA Roadside Assistance.
ABOUT MICHELLE YORK
Michelle York has been in the automotive industry for over 20 years and is the General Manager of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, (SAGMJ). When she isn’t test driving cars or cracking the whip at the Guild, Michelle enjoys tinkering about in the garage and is currently converting her incredibly bright yellow minivan into an incredibly bright mini camper van. She has 5 lively dogs of varying shapes and sizes – all of which are jostling to ride shotgun once the van has been completed.
