Meet the Peugeot Landtrek: A Proper Pick-Up with French Flair
My first memory of a car brand is Peugeot because my family owned three of them when I was a toddler. I guess you could say I grew up Peugeotnized.
We drive the newest members of the Mini Cooper family
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
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The highlights of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch, MINI Convertible are:
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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 |
The B40 PLUS has landed and here are our first impressions of it
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.
CAR REVIEW: Is The New Honda Ballade A Gem Or Cubic Zirconia?
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.
Meet the ladies riding at the 2021 International Female Ride Day
With 35 years riding experience among them, Bongiwe Didiza, Crescentia Ndimande and Zanele McMurray look forward to riding motorcycles they’ve always dreamt of riding, thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways
International Female Ride Day© (IFRD) celebrates women motorcycle riders and is not country, group or organizationally specific. It is a globally synchronized “JUST RIDE!”© day, for women.
Conceptualized by internationally recognised motorcycling instructor, road racer, Vicki Gray, the day has occurred for well over a decade and a half, with the first IFRD gatherings in 2007.
“IFRD provides a platform for women motorcycle riders to bond with other women, to meet and find like-minded women who ride and develop friendships with which to enjoy and advance motorcycling!”
– Vicki Gray, Founder, International female ride day
As one of the most important ride days for women, International Female Ride Day (IFRD) aims to encourage women to take up motorcycling. It also raises awareness about women’s equality in motorsports while applauding women’s advancements in motor and powersports.
In South Africa, IFRD is spearheaded by Estelle Lotter, Founder of The Litas Johannesburg & Gauteng. The Litas is a group of passionate kick-ass women focused on building local communities of women who share a love for two wheels. With starting points in various parts of Gauteng, the 2021 IFRD will include both on and off-road routes, thereby catering for riders with different types of motorcycles.
I am looking forward to experiencing all that the F 900 XR has to offer and of course, to reconnecting with lady bikers I haven’t seen in a long time
CRESCENTIA NDIMANDE, 15 YEARS motorcycle RIDING EXPERIENCE
My heart is most at home when I ride off road on a GS so riding a cafe racer is going to be a different experience for me because for once, I won’t get dusty!
BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS, 10 years riding experience
3 bikers from Driving in Heels will take part in the Ride being, Bongiwe Didiza, Crescentia Ndimande and Zanele McMurray. With a collective 35 riding experience among them, our ladies are proudly supported by BMW Fourways Motorrad, which was recently awarded Dealership of the Year 2020.
Bongiwe aka Bo Di, will be riding a BMW R nineT which is quite a departure from her much-loved GS adventure bike range. “I’m so used to riding off road and on much bigger bikes so the R nineT is going to be quite an experience for me. It’s going to be nice to ride and not get dusty for once,” she laughed.
I was envious when I saw Bongiwe riding this sexy beast at launch in 2020 but all is forgiven now because I get to ride it too!
– Zanele McMurray, 15 years motorcycle riding experience
Mother of 2, Crescentia settled on a BMW F 900XR mostly because it is a dual purpose and suits her height. commenting on her choice of ride, she said, “I am excited to ride the model Vuyi used in the Pride of Africa Ride 2020 to Durban. From what I can tell it is a comfortable and user-friendly machine and I am looking forward to experiencing all that it has to offer”.
Zanele aka Lady Zee, opted for the R 18 cruiser. “I was envious when I saw Bongiwe riding this sexy beast at launch in 2020 but all is forgiven now because I get to ride it too! And before you ask, no the R 18 is neither too big nor too heavy for me – it’s just right,” she said.
We wish all the women participating in the IFRD 2021 a safe and run ride! To share in the ride and excitement on the day, check out our social media pages.
WATCH: Nissan Magnite launch
The much anticipated Nissan Magnite, a compact SUV is now available in South Africa.
The Nissan Magnite comes with numerous first-in-class and best-in-segment features that will provide customers with a differentiated, innovative, and accessible experience.
We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself
– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director
The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:
- Acenta MT = R256 999
- Acenta CVT = R280 100
- Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
- Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700
Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km
WATCH: Ignition GT promo – Vuyi Mpofu chats about the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class & Toyota Agya
Thank you so much for being part of the Toyota Agya episode Vuyi. It came out fantastic!
– Zimkhita Kweza, Junior Producer, Ignition GT
The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 10th April at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.
In the full episode she shares her thoughts on the frugal city runner from Toyota, the Agya, laments about not attending the BMW M3 launch and shares the full unofficial (and ‘secret’) street name for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Click here for details about BMW M3 Competition: https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/new-on-the-tarmac-meet-the-heart-thumping-bmw-m3-competition-sedan-bmw-m4-competition-coupe/
This episode also airs on the following dates:
| Sat 10th | 10:30 | IGNITION GT |
| SUN 11th | 16:30 | IGNITION GT |
| MON 12th | 00:30 | IGNITION GT |
| MON 13th | 10:30 | IGNITION GT |
| TUE 14th | 04:30 | IGNITION GT |
| WED 15th | 05:30 | IGNITION GT |
| WED 15th | 20:30 | IGNITION GT |
| THUR 16th | 08:30 | IGNITION GT |
| THUR 16th | 17:30 | IGNITION GT |
| FRI 17th | 14:30 | IGNITION GT |
New on the Tarmac: Meet the lavish new Nissan Patrol
If you are a regular in cattle class, your world is turned upside down when you fly First Class or Business Class.
If you are a regular in cattle class, your world is turned upside down when you fly First Class or Business Class. As you stroll down the aisle you are met by the sight of the aircraft’s voluminous cabin, copious leather recliners and best of all semi-deserted interior. You feel a like a world-class celebrity!
Similar to flying in the lap of luxury, the latest Nissan Patrol is the epitome of advanced technology and unrivalled opulence, taking you to your destination in style, privacy and comfort.
The legendary vehicle is one of Nissan’s most cherished models with sophisticated technology as well as a long and proud heritage
– Kabelo Rabotho, Director of Marketing at Nissan South Africa
An unmatched icon, Nissan’s flagship 4×4 exhibits a striking new design whilst retaining exceptional off-road capabilities and class-leading power, thanks to is massive 5.6L V8 engine.
This class-leading engine boasts 298kW of power, and an exceptional 560Nm of torque, effortlessly taking you where others only dream about.
“Engineered with the latest intelligent mobility technologies, the new Patrol will give its drivers and passengers a luxurious drive,” said Kabelo Rabotho, Director of Marketing at Nissan South Africa. “The legendary vehicle is one of Nissan’s most cherished models with sophisticated technology as well as a long and proud heritage. We’re confident the new model will provide drivers with unrivalled luxury.”
Unmistakable Prestige, Inside and Out
Signature design changes for the new Patrol include Nissan’s V-motion grille, with new boomerang-shaped LED headlights.
To the rear, the Patrol’s new taillights also sport the boomerang shape, seamlessly integrated along with a large chrome nameplate and sequential rear turn indicators. Machine-cut 18” alloy wheels add to the Patrol’s formidable presence.
Attention to detail and luxury means a truly first-class travel experience for all. Inside, the class-leading interior space sports a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system, a multi-screen DVD entertainment system, 8” rear seat entertainment, independent wireless headphones and remote-enabled passenger vehicle infotainment. Allowing all passengers to enjoy the ride.
The new Nissan Patrol puts control at your fingertips with an 8” colour touch information screen, Bluetooth® hands free and audio streaming, climate control, Intelligent Key® with push button start and remote keyless entry – all helping you to get to your destination in a way that’s connected and effortless.
New diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding provide a luxurious feel, as does the new hand-stitched steering wheel. In addition, climate control and powered lumbar support are available for the front seats.
Advanced Safety Capabilities
The Nissan Patrol comes with Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system that warns the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver’s forward field of vision.
The advanced radar system does not only sense the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly ahead, but also that of a vehicle travelling in front of the preceding one. Also included is standard Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Driver Alert, which analyses the driver steering behaviour to signal and alert if signs of drowsiness, or inattention are detected.
Responsive braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc brake system with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Also standard is 4-wheel limited-slip diff (LSD) and a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, which automatically prevents the vehicle from sliding sideways on slippery road surfaces when changing lanes or negotiating a curve.
Starting price R1 571 700
WATCH: Ignition GT promo – Vuyi Mpofu chats about the VW Mswenko and Peugeot 2008
Thank you so much for being part of the panel Vuyi. We appreciate it and hope to see more of you throughout the year.
– Zimkhita Kweza, Junior Producer, Ignition gt
The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 20th Feb at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.
In it, she has a hilariously animated discussion with the panel about the decals on the VW Mswenko and gets taught how to pronounce ‘Peugeot’ when talking about the Peugeot 2008.
Read about the VW Mswenko here: https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/polo-vivo-range-gets-a-stylish-special-edition-derivative/
Other broadcast dates of this episode are as follows:
| SAT 20 Feb | 10:30 | IGNITION GT |
| SUN 21 Feb | 16:30 | IGNITION GT |
| MON 22 Feb | 00:30 | IGNITION GT |
| MON 22 Feb | 10:30 | IGNITION GT |
| TUE 23 Feb | 04:30 | IGNITION GT |
| WED 24 Feb | 05:30 | IGNITION GT |
| WED 24 Feb | 20:30 | IGNITION GT |
| THUR 25Feb | 08:30 | IGNITION GT |
| THUR 25 Feb | 17:30 | IGNITION GT |
| FRI 26 Feb | 14:30 | IGNITION GT |
WATCH: Ignition GT promo – Vuyi Mpofu chats about the Audi RS model range & Toyota Starlet
Thank you so much for joining us for the Toyota Starlet studio discussion Vuyi!
– ZIMKHITA KWEZA, JUNIOR PRODUCER, IGNITION GT
The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 20th February at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.
In the full episode she shares her thoughts on the Toyota Starlet and Audi RS 4 & RS 5 model ranges being released in April 2021.
This episode also airs on the following dates:
SAT 20 Feb |
10:30 | IGNITION GT |
| SUN 21 Feb | 16:30 | IGNITION GT |
| MON 22 Feb | 00:30 | IGNITION GT |
| MON 22 Feb | 10:30 | IGNITION GT |
| TUE 23 Feb | 04:30 | IGNITION GT |
| WED 24 Feb | 05:30 | IGNITION GT |
| WED 24 Feb | 20:30 | IGNITION GT |
| THUR 25Feb | 08:30 | IGNITION GT |
| THUR 25 Feb | 17:30 | IGNITION GT |
| FRI 26 Feb | 14:30 | IGNITION GT |
WATCH: Is this the new hijacking method criminals are using?
A video was circulated on social media and messaging platforms recently which depicted what appears to be a new way to hijack cars.
A video was circulated on social media and messaging platforms recently which depicted what appears to be a new way to hijack cars. While it is not clear when the video was taken or how common this modus operandi is, it still serves as a reminder of the importance of hijack awareness whilst driving.
A key way to prevent yourself from being in this position is to ensure that you keep at least three metres between yourself and the car in front of you when stationary.
– Eugene herbert, managing director, masterdrive
The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the video appeared to depict a female driver who was hijacked as she entered a highway behind another vehicle. “Even though this was completely unexpected, there are still some basic techniques to help detect a potentially dangerous situation immediately and then give you the chance and space to escape that situation.
“The driver was blocked in by the hijacker’s car that preceded hers and soon by traffic behind her. A key way to prevent yourself from being in this position is to ensure that you keep at least three metres between yourself and the car in front of you when stationary. Admittedly, it would have been difficult to move around the hijackers in this video as their position appears to be carefully chosen but, in many instances, it could give you the space to move around quickly and safely.”
Awareness of potentially dangerous situations is also important as it gives you the best possible chances of escape. “Quickly moving around a car that suddenly and expectedly stops, can make all the difference. Reacting this way, however, is something you need to train yourself to do. When driving, accept that someone stopping suddenly in this manner may be a threat and that your best response is to immediately move around the obstacle.
This is why it is so important to upskill yourself and learn what you should do, should this ever happen.
– EUGENE HERBERT, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MASTERDRIVE
“Often, however, this may not be possible. Oncoming cars, or as is the case in this video, people (criminals or otherwise) make this impossible. In this instance, rather surrender the car than subject yourself to physical. A car can be replaced but a life cannot nor can the consequences of a rash decision be reversed.”
A difficult truth that drivers need to face is that at any moment they could find themselves face-to-face with a hijacker. “This is why it is so important to upskill yourself and learn what you should do, should this ever happen. Prepare and practice for a situation such as this so that your response is immediate and prioritises your safety above all.
“Our thoughts are with the driver of this car, and any other driver who has been in a similar situation, and consequently left shaken and traumatised,” says Herbert.
*Please note that Heels and Horsepower Magazine, its associates and MasterDrive do not own the rights to the attached video
New On The Tarmac: Meet Mazda’s all new compact SUV, the CX-30
First revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019 and launched internationally in April 2019, the latest SVU offering from Mazda is now available in South Africa.
Mazda Southern Africa has unveiled the second model in its 7th Generation line-up, the Mazda CX-30 compact SUV. The new compact SUV forms part of Mazda’s CX Range and slots between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5.
The model line-up consists of three derivatives, offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) and automatic transmission: Active, Dynamic and Individual and is powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine, which puts out 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque.
Every vehicle in the range comes standard with high grade features such as LED Headlamps with Auto levelling; Driver, Passenger, Knee (Driver), Side & Curtain airbags; Head-Up Display (HUD); MZD Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-Inch Display Screen; Apple Carplay™and Android Auto™, to name a few.
Available in a choice of nine exterior colours, Active and Dynamic grades feature 16-inch grey metallic alloy wheels, while the Individual grade features 18-inch silver metallic alloy wheels.
Since its launch in 2019, the Mazda CX-30 has received many accolades, including: winner of the Car of the Year 2020 in Thailand, winner of the 2020 Red Dot Design Award, earned five stars and the highest safety rating in the Euro NCAP, won the 2020 Design Trophy in the SUV category in Germany, and being a finalist for the 2020 World Car of the Year Award.
The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with a 3-year unlimited kilometre service plan, 3-year factory warranty, 3-year roadside assistance and 5-year Corrosion Warranty.
Pricing:
Mazda CX-30 2,0L Active: R469 000-00
Mazda CX-30 2,0L Dynamic: R499 000-00
Mazda CX-30 2,0L Individual: R540 000-00
