Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Follow us :  

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

Chery South Africa set to open 30 new dealerships

vuyi on November 19, 2021

Press Release: Chery South Africa

Chery South Africa has appointed 30 new vehicle dealers across the country, covering every province and metro.

The new Chery dealers will offer a full range of sales and support services, including vehicle finance from Chery Financial Services (a new finance alliance with WesBank) and roadside assistance, following a recently concluded agreement with the Automobile Association.

The network will stretch as far north as Louis Trichardt and cover towns and cities like Bloemfontein, Welkom, Klerksdorp, Middelburg, East London and Gqeberha from the onset.

Major cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town will have several new Chery dealers at launch and other growing towns and cities like Polokwane and Mbombela will follow soon after the initial launch.

“We were heartened by the number of dealer applications we received from across the dealer group spectrum and from automotive entrepreneurs.

Our priority was selecting dealers with the necessary infrastructure and capacity to rightfully sell and service Chery vehicles from day one,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa.

“While we are starting with 30 operational Chery dealers, we will expand quickly to make sure that no South African motorist is far away from a local and trusted Chery dealer. We believe that Chery adds an exciting new dimension to our range of affordable and luxury brands.  

We are investing heavily in the training and support of our new dealer network to make sure that our dealer principals, their sales and service staff and their premises represent the modern Chery brand and our ‘Fun to Drive’ ethos”, Liu concluded.

Car Tip of the Week: How to know when your tyres need wheel alignment

vuyi on November 15, 2021

Wheel alignment helps your tyres last longer and to perform efficiently.  It also improves handling as well as prevents your car from pulling to one side. 

Here are a few signs that your wheels need realignment:

  1. Vehicle pulling to the left or right
  2. Steering wheel vibration
  3. Off-centre steering wheel (when driving straight)
  4. Uneven tread wear

Over 55 000 Volkswagens sold in the first 10 months of 2021

vuyi on November 9, 2021

Press Release: Volkswagen South Africa

In a year that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a global shortage of semi-conductor chips, Volkswagen has remained South Africa’s best-selling passenger car brand in the first 10 months of 2021.

In the first 10 months of 2021, the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand has sold 51 381 vehicles in the local market. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is the best-selling model with 18 241 units sold (2 747 more units when compared to the same period last year). The T-Cross, the leader of the A0 SUV segment, is now the best-selling imported model with 5 912 units sold from January to October.

“Despite the vehicle supply challenges our Brand is experiencing, our dealer partners, which account for over 75% of total Volkswagen sales, displayed resilience to ensure that we maintain our leadership in the passenger car market in South Africa,” said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

The Volkswagen model range was bolstered by the market introduction of the new Tiguan in July and new Golf GTI in September. The new Tiguan, which is Volkswagen’s second best-selling SUV, has sold 1 301 units since its launch. Meanwhile, the new Golf GTI has sold 201 units during its first two months of retail.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has improved its market share to 3.7% when compared to the same period last year. The brand delivered 4 356 units to customers in the first 10 months of 2021. 

The Amarok double cab is the best-selling model with 1 485 units sold and accounted for over 30% of the Brand’s sales. The T6.1 Kombi and Caravelle also reported good sales of 853 units during this period.

2022 will be an exciting year for Volkswagen. The Brand will introduce the new Polo, all-new compact SUV, the Taigo, and the new Polo Sedan. Performance will be taken to the next level with the market introduction of the new Golf 8 R and Tiguan R.

For Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, 2022 will also be an important year with the market introductions of the new Caddy and the highly anticipated new generation Amarok.

Car Tip of the Week: Guide for crossing intersections safely during load-shedding

vuyi on November 1, 2021

Load-shedding leaves many motorists frustrated and confused, and in this article we aim to provide tips to help maintain safety and sanity.

Load-shedding leaves many motorists frustrated and confused. No matter the time of day or night, load-shedding means more time spent in traffic, and the potential to be affected by another driver’s ill-thought-out actions. One place in particular where this occurs is at traffic lights.

In theory, every driver knows that an intersection that is normally managed by traffic lights becomes a four-way stop when the lights are out.  Many drivers, however, do not follow this rule, consequently, creating chaos at intersections. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you navigate junctures. Hopefully, these will help you safely make your way through.

  • Slow down as you approach the intersection – even if it looks as if there are no other vehicles around.
  • Bring your vehicle to a complete stop and yield to those who were at the intersection before you.
  • Expect traffic from more than four directions being:
  • Traffic travelling straight through the intersection from the traditional four directions.
  • Traffic turning left or right from their current lanes and across the intersection.
  • Do not assume that just because it is your turn to go, that every other driver will respect this. Double-check before you proceed.
  • If you do begin to enter the intersection but see another driver approaching or about to cross the intersection at the same time, rather give them the right of way instead of persisting on your course as this will either lead to a collision or at the very least, a road rage incident.
  • As annoying as it may be, rather allow a motorist that doesn’t obey intersection rules to proceed through an intersection, instead of engaging in a road rage incident. 
  • And don’t forget about pedestrians! They may have to cross intersections too.  They have as much right to do so as safely as any vehicle on the road. 
  • Watch out for drivers that skip the traffic by driving on the left shoulder or over yellow lines as they will eventually need to move back into the road

The most important tip: check, double-check and check again before you enter an intersection and even as you make your way across it. Load-shedding is creating many unnecessary challenges for drivers, but regardless of such, the unfortunate truth is that as long as there is load-shedding, all motorists need to be prepared to drive defensively.

3 basic things you should know about servicing your car

vuyi on October 25, 2021

Owning your first car and not having to rely on anyone else to get you to where you need to go, is a true rite of passage. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and maintaining it should be a priority.

Keeping your car in tiptop condition is as important while you are driving it, as it is when the time comes to sell it. A properly maintained car, and one with a complete and detailed service history will always be more valuable than one that’s poorly looked after.

The first item of business for any dealership or prospective buyer at trade-in or sale time, is a car’s service book, and some might dismiss a car completely if the service history is incomplete or patchy. Have a look at the second-hand cars for sale on any reputable dealer’s website and the term ‘FSH’, or Full Service History, is often listed ahead of any other features or extras.

Here are 3 factors you, as a motorist, should understand when it comes to servicing your car.

  • What are car service intervals?

Though these may differ slightly from car to car, every vehicle on the road comes with a manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. These are generally in the form of time and distance intervals between workshop visits, such as ‘one year or 15,000km’, whichever comes first, as an example.

It’s important to know that adhering to these intervals is not optional, and especially not on cars that are still covered by warranties. Skipping a scheduled service can have serious repercussions, such as the voiding of warranties or even mechanical failure.

  • When should you take your car in for a service?

Familiarise yourself with your car’s schedule in order to prepare for upcoming services, whether your car is covered by a service/maintenance plan or not. This can generally be found in the physical or digital service book that comes with the car, and should be stored somewhere safe.  Also, some cars have built-in service timers to notify you ahead of the scheduled maintenance work, but it’s always better to check than to rely on these alone.

  • What information should you have at hand when booking your car in for a service?

If you struggle to understand your schedule, or have trouble finding it, call the service department at your dealership to ask for assistance. Have your car’s current mileage and the details of the last known service handy, as this will assist them in guiding you.

It’s also a good idea to have your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on hand, as this is the quickest way for a dealership to identify the specifics of your particular vehicle model. This can be found on your licence disc, or stamped onto the body of your car – often, but not always, visible through the bottom corner of the windscreen.

“Servicing your vehicle means that you will always be aware of the condition of your vehicle. For instance, you may not know if your car needs a new wheel bearing or shock absorber, or that your brakes are nearing replacement time. Regular services allow the technician or mechanic to check for and inform you of any costly problems or issues before or as they begin to arise,” says Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank’s Communications Specialist.

Car Tip of the Week: Here are the 3 most common types of service your car needs

vuyi on October 25, 2021

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure and this applies to vehicle maintenance too!

There are 3 main types of maintenance service your vehicle needs and in order to get the best out of your vehicle and to keep it running optimally, all motorists should adhere to the car manufacturer’s service intervals.

When it comes to the type of service your vehicle is due for, largely depends on your car’s mileage. These are the different types of scheduled maintenance options:

  1. Basic service: This type of service is the most common and is routinely performed. In most cases it includes an oil change and oil filter, air filter and fluid checks, and is usually scheduled at 10,000km or 15,000km intervals. However, you should always refer to your car’s service book or speak to your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) franchise dealer for information. 
  2. Advanced service: This service is generally set at further distance and time intervals, and can include the replacement of spark plugs, fuel filter, and pollen (cabin air) filters among other things.
  3. Major service: This is performed at even greater time and distance intervals. Major services can include the replacement of critical items such as timing belts and/or timing chains, and a detailed inspection of various mechanical components in your vehicle. 

Aside from the actual work performed, a service is also an opportunity for the technician or mechanic to inspect things that you as the owner may not be aware of. Compare it to a visit to the doctor: you can either go when you have an illness, or you can go for a regular check-up and see if they pick up a problem. 

Servicing your vehicle means that you will always be aware of the condition of your vehicle. For example, you may not know if your car needs a new wheel bearing or shock absorber, or that your brakes are nearing replacement time.

“Regular services allow the technician or mechanic to check for and inform you of any problem or issue before it becomes costly to replace or even fails completely, which could place both the vehicle and your safety on the road at risk. Mitigating risk at every turn is your responsibility as a vehicle owner,” says Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank’s Communications Specialist.

WATCH: Take a look at the BP40 PLUS

vuyi on October 21, 2021

The design of the B40 PLUS is bold and imposing.

The B40 PLUS which has its roots in the military, has over 60 years of heritage to draw on. It has been tested in almost every condition, altitude, terrain, and application over this time leading to the claim that it was born in the battlefield and perfected in the real world.

WATCH: Take a look at the exterior features of the B40 PLUS

vuyi on October 20, 2021

The design of the B40 PLUS is bold and imposing.

The front of the B40 PLUS features aggressive bumpers and wheel arches, an iconic 5-slot grille design, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), a vertical windshield, and large exterior mirrors.

The range starts from R549,500 and goes up to R629,500 for the top-of-the-range offering.

WATCH: Take a look at the interior of the BAIC B40 PLUS

vuyi on October 18, 2021

The design of the B40 PLUS is bold and imposing.

The cabin of the B40 PLUS is modern, sleek and features a number of elements you would need in an SUV.  These include grab handles, Dual Zone Air Conditioner, 6-speaker audio system, colour-coded interior and comfy seats, chrome accents and to top it all off, reclining rear seats.

The range starts from R549,500 and goes up to R629,500 for the top-of-the-range offering.

We drive the newest members of the Mini Cooper family

vuyi on October 18, 2021

Guest Writer: Lulu Makhatini

Waking up daily at the crack of dawn to attend to your home and work tasks is not an easy thing to do but; waking up just as early simply to test drive and experience the new MINI Cooper range is such an amazing feeling.

I was pleased to be invited to attend the launch of one of my favourite cars, the MINI Cooper.  I felt like a kid counting down the days till Christmas because, according to the invitation, I would be driving not one, not two but THREE new MINIs! This would probably be one of the most fun work days I’ve had in a long time.

Arriving at the start venue in Rosebank, I couldn’t help but notice the MINI Cooper range, glistening in the open parking area; not only because it is impossible not to notice a row of MINIs, but because the popping new colours and individual exterior for each MINI was unmistakeably head-turning.

After completing the registration and COVID_19 protocols, I was ushered to the buffet area, where a gorgeous gourmet breakfast awaited. Having gotten out of the house as early as I had, a piping hot cup of coffee was just what I needed if I was to make it through the day.  Settling into the business section of the day, I learnt that the event (which marked the Twentieth Anniversary of the launch of the MINI), would showcase the highlights of the new Cooper range.

The range comprises:

  • the MINI 3-door Hatch
  • the MINI 5-door Hatch
  • the MINI Convertible
 

 

The highlights of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch, MINI Convertible are:

  • Purist look thanks to new front design
  • LED headlights now as standard
  • Redesigned rear apron, LED rear lights in Union Jack design
  • Multitone Roof
  • New body colours and light-alloy wheels
  • Newly-designed interior surfaces and air outlets
  • Redesigned steering wheels
  • Multifunctional instrument display with 5-inch colour display
  • Central instrument cluster with new Piano Black high-gloss surround
  • 8.8-inch display and modern graphics display as standard
  • Sports seats in new Light Chequered colour
  • New Ambient Light option with extended features
  • Electric parking brake available for the first time
  • Active Cruise Control now with Stop & Go function
  • Greater safety thanks to new lane departure warning & bad weather light
  • Piano Black exterior with extended features
  • New equipment packages allow for targeted individualisation

 

 

 

Enlighted about the differences within the new MINI, it was time to put my foot to the pedal. My mind flashed to scenes from the Italian Job and I caught myself grinning at the thought of a high-speed drive in one of the chariots parked outside.  Available in a choice of vibrant body paint finishes which include three new colours – Rooftop Grey metallic and Island Blue metallic – my heart had been set on getting behind the wheel of a Zesty Yellow MINI, a colour which in the past had been exclusive to the MINI Convertible.

I settled into the sporty seat of the MINI 5-door Hatch and inhaled the intoxicating scent of new leather.  Running my hand over the leather on the redesigned steering wheel, my eyes took in the entirety of the remodelled cockpit and 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display.  My eyes rushed over the interior and I soon noted that the new MINI Cooper range uses much less chrome in the interior than in previous models.  I nodded in appreciation.

I pulled out of the parking area and pointed the petite nose of the MINI 5-door towards the highway. As expected, the MINI offered a smooth, fun, driving experience. With each tap of the accelerator, my heart skipped a couple of beats and I wanted to scream in childish delight but thought better of it, seeing as I was driving with someone I was meeting for the first time.

Having connected my phone to the car before leaving Rosebank, my driving partner and I enjoyed the sound quality (and volume level) through the premium audio system.   Everything I needed as a driver was available at the tip of my fingers – Bluetooth, volume, radio station finder, cruise control, and trip information, leaving me to focus on traffic and driving safely.

My mind replayed a portion of the business presentation, relating to the optional Adaptive LED headlights.  I had been fascinated that headlight technology had evolved to the point of including cornering lights and a bad weather light.  Activated at the touch of a button, the bad weather light kicks in when visibility is limited, but I was unable to test it as we were driving on a bright summer’s day.  I mused that it is a feature that could help reduce accidents that occur when driving in heavy rain, fog or snow.

Our route took us to the Union Buildings where we enjoyed a cool drink while taking in the view of the city.  The brief rest stop allowed me to test a different car and I elected to steer the 3-door MINI to our next destination at the Cradle of Humankind.

The MINI 3-door Hatch was just as nippy to drive and I immediately experienced that wonderfully familiar go-cart feeling MINI drivers enjoy daily. Having said that, the 3-door MINI offered a different amount of engine power compared to the 5-door model.  My mind revisited the presentation and I replayed the section about the availability of the different engines sizes.

The MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible are powered by efficient petrol engines fitted with MINI Twin the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible Power Turbo technology and three or four cylinders.   The 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engines, are available in two versions with outputs ranging from 75 kW to 100 kW. However, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine in the Cooper S, generates a whopping maximum output of 141 kW or 170 kW in the John Cooper Works models.

I am not technically minded but I do know that the higher the number of kilowatts (kW) the faster the car can go; and having driven 2 models within the refreshed MINI Cooper ranger, I can assure you that when I say fast, I mean near lightning quick! Speaking of which, I was alarmed at just how quickly one can pick up speed in any of the MINI Coopers.  It was a struggle to maintain the legal speed of 120km/hr as the cars are so comfortable and silently quick.  Each time I glanced at the dashboard I gasped and took my foot off the gas.  I sheepishly forgave each and every MINI Cooper driver who had ever sped past me as the reality of what MINI TwinPower Turbo means.

Driving in convoy we reached our lunch venue and as I waited my turn in queue at its entrance, I realised I hadn’t given the rear of the MINI more than a glance.  Now, posed in front of me and without much else to do, my gaze was transfixed on the British flag graphic designed into the rear lights of the MINI Convertible ahead of me, this feature is also a standard issue in the MINI 3-door Hatch and the MINI 5-door Hatch.   The driver in the Convertible began to lower its roof and I watched the graphic of the Union Jack fold neatly away and disappear into the body of the car.

Having enjoyed an outstanding meal, it was time to drive back to Rosebank to end the day and sadly, return the cars.  I made a beeline for the MINI Cooper SE and boy oh boy what a mindboggling experience. I had never driven an electric car before and was not prepared for just how quickly it accelerates.  Apart from being a MINI, the environmentally friendly MINI proved to be my favourite of the day.  At first, I wasn’t sure I had engaged the ignition because there wasn’t even a hint of sound emanating from the engine.  One could have heard a pin drop in the MINI Cooper SE, it is that quiet. The only indication that the engine was ready to go was the lights on the dashboard.  Giggling nervously, I took to the road.

I had heard a lot about electric vehicles. Queries about driving range, access to reliable electricity and cost of ownership had been the subject of many debates at chilled braais. I delighted at the thought that I would speak from first-hand experience at the next friendly banter. Fitted with a 135kW electric motor, the MINI Cooper SE provides pure emission-free driving fun. For someone who isn’t an expert on vehicle mechanics and grapples with understanding combustion engines, wrapping my head around the technicalities of a car that runs on a lithium-ion battery presents a challenge.  To be honest, all I needed to know was that the Cooper SE’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery, (located deep in the vehicle floor), enables an estimated range of 215 kilometres.   Satisfied that I wouldn’t run out of power to run the engine, I pressed the accelerator and my shoulders were simultaneously pinned into the backrest as the SE picked up speed.  Suffice it to say it is very responsive and needs no coaxing at all.

Once again, it was a wrestle to keep the Cooper SE within the legal limit.  Whereas I had managed to overcome my exhilaration when driving the MINI 5-door Hatch earlier in the day, I released all my politely pent-up elation when commandeering the all-new electric MINI.  Whooping in delight and tapping my fingers to the music, the trip back to Rosebank was all too brief.

Making my way back home in my car, I reflected on how in the past, I had thought the price tag of the MINI Cooper was excessive. After a glorious day spent experiencing three of them my appreciation for the price versus value had grown. In my opinion, any one of the sexy, compact, powerful and eye-catching MINI’s suit the lifestyle of women at any stage of their life and are worth every hard-worked-for penny.

Additional information:

Three drive units are available for both the MINI 3-door Hatch and the MINI 5-door Hatch:

MINI One 3-door Hatch:75 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, top speed: 195 km/h. fuel consumption (combined): 5.6 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 128g/km.

MINI Cooper 3-door Hatch: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, top speed: 210 km/h. fuel consumption (combined): 5.6 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 128g/km

MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, top speed: 235 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.0 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 136 g/km.

MINI One 5-door Hatch: 75 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds, top speed: 192 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 5.7 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 131 g/km.

MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, top speed: 207 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 5.7 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 131 g/km.

MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, top speed: 235 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.0 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 136 g/km)

Two engines are available for the MINI Convertible:

MINI Cooper Convertible: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, top speed: 205 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.0 litres/100 km.
CO2 emissions (combined): 137 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Convertible: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, top speed: 230 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km

Also available:

MINI Cooper SE: 135 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, top speed: 150 km/h, energy consumption: 17.5 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range: 215 km.

MINI John Cooper Works: 170 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, top speed: 246 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km.

Pricing:

MINI One 3-door Hatch Priced from R420 000-00
MINI Cooper 3-door Hatch Priced from R469 500-00
MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch Priced from  R530 000-00
MINI One 5-door Hatch Priced from  R530 000-00
MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch Priced from  R479 500-00
MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch Priced from  R540 000-00
MINI John Cooper Work Priced from  R615 000-00
MINI Cooper SE Priced from  R658 000-00

 

Jaguar Land Rover offers complimentary safety checks to customers

vuyi on October 13, 2021

With the relaxation of national lockdown levels many South African holiday seekers will be hitting the road for the festive season. Jaguar Land Rover is offering some appetising deals for drivers of its vehicles ahead of any planned road trips.

Any Jaguar or Land Rover driver in South Africa is welcome to schedule complimentary vehicle safety checks and premium valet services at any dealer nationwide. This service is available for all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, whether they are within their valid Care Plan and warranty periods or not. Customers can contact any dealer at their convenience to schedule their free safety checks between 11 October and 31 December 2021.

For vehicles with valid Jaguar or Land Rover Care Plans, which come as standard on all new vehicles for a period of 5 years or 100,000km, customers will receive a R500 discount to use on any available branded goods or accessories.

Customers with expired Care Plans and warranties are included in the offer, with R1,000 discounts to be used towards parts and/or labour on any necessary maintenance or repairs on the day of bookings.

The complimentary safety checks, valet services and vouchers may only be redeemed once per vehicle, and bookings at any dealer must be made in advance.