entry-level car Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Moving from public transport to car ownership is easier than you think

vuyi on June 22, 2021

Owning your own set of wheels is very liberating and isn’t as far fetched as some might believe. We got some intel from Motus Retail on how to go about it.

Public transport is not necessarily cheap and the monthly travel expenses of a commuter using multiple taxis, trains, and busses or traveling long distances might very well be on par with the cost of an entry-level car. Besides the cost, owning a car is a dream for many public transport commuters.

“Research indicates that COVID-19 and the associated health and personal safety risks that commuters are exposed to when using public transport has encouraged many commuters to explore buying their own vehicle,” says the CEO of Motus Retail and Rental, Corné Venter.

Owning your own vehicle gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want safely
– CORNÉ VENTER, CEO OF MOTUS RETAIL AND RENTAL

“Owning your own vehicle gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want safely. Buying a car is a serious commitment but with a myriad of finance options to consider, buyers might be pleasantly surprised at what they can afford,” commented Venter.

Everyone’s financial situation differs, but as a general guideline, one should not spend more than 25% of their monthly net income on their total vehicle expenses. It is important to be realistic about what you can afford and just as important to stick to your monthly budget. A car loan is a long-term commitment and car-buyers should thus consider both current and future expenses when estimating their budget.

Buying a car is a serious commitment but with a myriad of finance options to consider, buyers might be pleasantly surprised at what they can afford.
– CORNÉ VENTER, CEO of Motus Retail and Rental

If you earn less than R7 000 per month, monthly installments may still be a little too much for your current budget. However, if you earn between R8 000 and R10 000 per month, you could certainly look at buying a pre-owned vehicle, keeping in mind that your total monthly vehicle expenses should not exceed R2000 to R2500. Saving up for a deposit will also help lower your monthly installments.

Motus promotes a variety of specials monthly that offer exceptional value for money
– CORNÉ VENTER, CEO OF MOTUS RETAIL AND RENTAL

Online calculators help in determining the cost of finance and the cost of ownership, permitting consumers to make an informed decision. Car-buyers can even apply for finance online, and finance applications are sent to all major banks ensuring that the customer gets the best deal in terms of repayments and interest rates.

Factors that influence your credit rating include how long you have been working for your current employer, how long you have lived at your current address, whether you own property and whether you are married.

Banks make it possible for you to structure your finance contract in a way that suits your affordability. This means that you can choose the contract term, the type of interest rate you want, whether you want to pay a deposit and if you would like to use a balloon payment.

“Motus promotes a variety of specials monthly that offer exceptional value for money,” concluded Venter.

The most important thing to do when looking to buy your first car is to shop around to ensure that you get the best deal possible.

New on the Tarmac: Meet the new Kia Picanto X-Line

vuyi on March 11, 2021

Just three years after its initial invitation to South Africa to Get In, the Kia Picanto has undergone a subtle mid-life refresh as the brand embarks on an exciting journey to the future.

Just three years after its initial invitation to South Africa to Get In, the Kia Picanto has undergone a subtle mid-life refresh as the brand embarks on an exciting journey to the future. Extending the invitation to now also Go There, Kia South Africa also introduces the all-new Picanto X-Line with modern and distinctive crossover styling.

“The Picanto is a mainstay in the Kia product-line up and has for many years been recognised by industry experts and members of the press alike as one of the best cars you can buy in the entry-level A-segment,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales Director, Kia South Africa. “The introduction of the new X-Line derivative sees Picanto gain an adventurous spirit perfect for those who believe in seizing the day and sharing experiences beyond their daily lives. It’s the perfect car for here, there and anywhere.”

From the city to the open road

The new Picanto X-Line features a series of bespoke design details that make it stand out from its siblings. At the front, a redesigned radiator grille – a new interpretation of Kia’s well-known ‘tiger nose’ – and aggressive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, perfectly augmented by its eye-catching LED headlights.

At the rear, a bespoke and completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full LED rear lights ensuring it looks the part from all angles. Crossover-inspired cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels gives X-Line a true ‘Go There’ stance.

Customers have a choice of 10 exterior colours, including a new shade of Astro Grey. An optional sunroof is available on special order.

Pricing

Model Price incl. VAT

Picanto 1.0 Manual START	R187 995
Picanto 1.0 Automatic START	R201 995
Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET	R201 995
Picanto 1.0 Automatic STREET	R215 995
Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET	R211 995
Picanto 1.0 Automatic STYLE	R225 995
Picanto 1.2 Manual STYLE	R210 995
Picanto 1.2 Automatic STYLE	R224 995
Picanto 1.2 Manual STYLE	R220 995
Picanto 1.2 Automatic STYLE	R234 995
Picanto 1.2 Manual X-Line	R237 995
Picanto 1.2 Automatic X-Line	R251 995
Picanto 1.0 Manual Runner	R207 995

All Picanto models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 2-year / 30,000km service plan. The 2021 KIA Picanto range is on sale immediately.

New Toyota Agya Signals a New Dawn for South Africa’s A-Segment

vuyi on December 1, 2020

Cognisant of the financial challenges faced by all South Africans in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Agya is aimed at discerning budget-conscious first-time buyers.

As a direct replacement for the Aygo, the Agya competes in a fiercely fought segment where value and Rands-per-feature matter most. The Agya boasts a host of standard features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) enhanced by electronic brake force distribution (EBD), 14-inch alloy wheels, driver and front passenger airbags and the option of an automatic transmission.

The generously-appointed cabin features a mixed use of silver and black plastics and attractive, hard wearing fabric for the seats with a touch of polyurethane for the gear lever and steering wheel. The instrument binnacle features easy-to-ready graphics and sees the tachometer and Multi Instrument Display (MID) flanking the speedometer.

Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress

Powering up the Agya experience is a Push Start button and remote central locking. All models are prepared for the use of Toyota Connect, which provides Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices as well as a host of connected online services; and 15Gb of complimentary data. Once linked to the MyToyota App, owners can make on-demand service bookings, retrieve vehicle usage information (logbook), renew vehicle licenses, review tracking data, request roadside assistance and more.

Interior comfort is taken care of by power steering and automatic air conditioning (climate control), while all passengers enjoy the luxury of electrically operated windows. An auxiliary 12-volt socket is on hand for charging additional mobile devices.

The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability
– Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.

The Agya is also fitted with driver and front passenger airbags as standard. At the back, two ISOFIX mounting brackets serve to secure baby seats to the rear seat; while the rear doors are fitted with child locks for complete peace of mind. Safety also meets convenience through the fitment a vehicle security system in the form of an alarm/immobiliser.

Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress

Engine & Performance

The Agya’s nippy but thrifty 998cm³, three-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine serves to make light work of urban commutes. Powering the front wheels and developing maximum power of 49kW @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 89Nm @ 4400 rpm, the engine is mated to either a slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission for ultimate driver control; or a self-shifting four-speed automatic transmission for complete driving comfort.

The manual version of the Agya reportedly sips an average of just 4.8 l/100 km and emits a corresponding 112g CO₂/km; while completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 14.6 seconds and runs to a top speed of 165km/h.

Its automatic variant is claimed to consume 4.9 l/100 km and has an emissions figure of 115g CO₂/km. It accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 16.3 seconds and has a top speed of 145km/h. An eco-indicator assists drivers in achieving fuel efficient driving.

Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress

Driven at the recommended speeds, the Agya’s 33-litre fuel tank should yield a theoretical maximum range of around 687 km.

“The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability,” says Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.

Model line-up & Pricing

Agya MT – R178 600

Agya AT – R192 500

Agya MT (with audio) – R182 400

Agya AT (with audio) – R196 300

Warranty & Maintenance

All Agya models are sold with a 2-services/20 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.