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.
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.
True Story: The Text That Changed My Life
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;
- your car typically veers off its intended course – usually by crossing into other lanes or traveling towards onto oncoming traffic
- you hit the brakes more sharply than planned when your mind ‘comes to’
- or you don’t touch the brakes at all
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
Knowing How to Change a Flat tyre Could Save Your Life!
Gals Garage, in association Toyota Motors South Africa recently hosted a Tyre Safety Workshop aimed at female motorists.
Supported by Toyota Motors South Africa (TMSA), the first Gals Garage Tyre Safety Workshop of 2021, took place in Gauteng recently. Although all COVID regulations had been taken into account, organizers of the event took further precautions by hosting the Workshop over a few 4-hour sessions at different venues, thereby giving guests the added comfort of knowing their health had been taking into consideration.
The Gals Garage Tyre Safety Workshop not only allowed guests to simulate a flat tyre scenario but also gave them an opportunity to test drive the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Toyota Starlet and one of 2 Toyota Agya vehicles.
It used to be safe to ask a stranger to assist you to change your flat tyre but times have changed, so it is to every woman’s benefit to know how to do so herself.- FOUNDER, GALS GARAGE WORKSHOPS
It used to be safe to ask a stranger to assist you to change your flat tyre but times have changed, so it is to every woman’s benefit to know how to do so herself.
– FOUNDER, GALS GARAGE WORKSHOPS
Kicking off with an interactive discussion about tyre rotation, wheel alignment, and wheel balancing, the important topic of knowing how to change a tyre led to a few of the ladies relating personal stories about the inconveniences and dangers of being stuck on the side of the road.
It is important to align the jack with the car-jack point. If you jack the vehicle at any other point, the car’s weight may cause damage to its frame.
– FOUNDER, GALS GARAGE WORKSHOPS
Excited about learning this basic life skill, the ladies gathered around the 2 Toyota Agya vehicles and set about changing a tyre; all the while talking about causes of a flat tyre, how to identify you have a flat tyre (while driving), and safety measure to adhere to in the event of a flat tyre. These include pulling out of traffic as slowly as is safely possible, parking on a flat surface where possible, ensuring that the handbrake is engaged (either in gear in manual transmission or Park if in an automatic).
“In some instances, it is advisable to place a brick in front or behind one of the other tyres to further secure the vehicle,” Vuyi mentioned, “but you must remove these before you leave so as not to cause damage to another motorist’s vehicle, particularly at night when visibility is generally reduced”.
Another important element under discussion was identifying the optimal position to place the red reflective triangle which serves as a warning for other motorists, as well as learning the correct names of each of the tools required to successfully change a flat tyre – wheel spanner, nut-lock, car jack, reflective red triangle, spare tyre.
In some instances, it is advisable to place a brick in front or behind one of the other tyres but you must remove these before you leave.
– Founder, GALS GARAGE WORKSHOPs
It came as a surprise to some of the ladies that all cars have a car ‘jack point and that it is the safest location to position the car jack. By running their fingers along the edge of the bottom of the body of the car, the ladies discovered either one or two jack-points positioned either a short distance behind the front wheels or positioned a short distance in front of the rear wheels.
“It is important to align the jack with the car-jack point. If you jack the vehicle at any other point, the car’s weight may cause damage to its frame or, the jack may slip off, causing the vehicle to crash to the ground. Either way, this could result in serious injury to yourself and expensive damage to the car,” Vuyi said.
I will never forget the day my children and I nearly spent a night at the side of the road just because I did not know to change a flat tyre.
– GUEST, GALS GARAGE TYRE SAFETY WORKSHOP
To their surprise, the ladies accurately and safety completed the tyre change exercise in less time than they had anticipated. Most could barely believe how simple the task was.
“I will never forget the day my children and I nearly spent a night at the side of the road just because I did not know to change a flat tyre. Looking back I feel annoyed with myself because I put us in unnecessary danger yet here I am, doing this simple thing in 20 minutes!” remarked one of the guests.
When it came to test driving the various Toyotas on display, the Starlet proved to be a clear favourite among the ladies. “It stylish, spacious, comfortable to drive and quite spacious,” one guest remarked.
“The Agya is much bigger than it looks”, remarked one of the guests. “When I first glanced at it, I felt it was a ‘toy’ but, out of curiosity, I drove it and now I’m surprisingly impressed. I would love to have it as my weekday car because it would be easy to park,” she continued.
Some car salesmen can be very pushy, but his job is to listen to my needs and give me the best product which fits my budget.
– Guest, gals Garage Tyre Safety Workshop
Many of the ladies expressed appreciation that they had had an opportunity to test drive the Toyota vehicles in the comfort of their environment because they find car dealerships intimidating.
“I am not looking forward to buying a car because some car salesmen can be very pushy,” one lady said. “I feel that car salesmen judge women based on appearance and I am not about to make the extra effort just so the salesman will want to approach me when I walk into a dealership. His job is to listen to my needs and give me the best product which fits my budget – not to make me feel unknowledgeable and small,” she concluded.
ABOUT GALS GARAGE WORKSHOPS
Gals Garage Workshops, Because Women Deserve Better, was conceptualized and launched in 2016 by motoring journalist, Vuyi Mpofu when she identified a gap in the market to engage with female motorists. The Workshops aim to inform, educate and empower female motorists about the nuances of various elements of vehicles and serve to encourage women to become aware of the vehicle components which affect everyday driving safety.
Other than the Tyre Safety Workshops, the Gals Garage brand offers a variety of courses being:
- Basic Car Care
- Anti-Hijacking
- BasicSelf Defense
- Pregnancy and Infant in-car safety
- Introduction to off-road driving
- Glam Gals Getaways
READER REVIEW: Crescentia Ndimande takes charge of the BMW F 900 XR at the 15th International Female Ride Day
Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me, so, when it came to selecting a bike, I had to be mindful of which it would be.
– Crescentia Ndimande
Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me. Not that I am diminutive but rather it is important that any motorcycle I chose has to accommodate my particular height. So, when it came to selecting a bike to use at the 15thInternational Female Ride Day 2021 I was careful in the iron horse which I would champion.
The models on display at BMW Motorrad Fourways, were all appealing and at first, I gravitated towards the R 1600 RT; but after sitting on it I realized I would need to choose something much lower. Gift Gumbi, Motorrad Sales Executive, suggested I try the F 900 XR and I immediately remembered it as the bike which Vuyi Mpofu had used on her Pride of Africa Ride the previous year. Knowing that Vuyi is approximately the same height as me, I was hopeful that the F 900 XR would ‘fit’ me too.
Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity.
– CRESCENTIA NDIMANDE
The model available to me was Galvanic Gold and from the moment I sat astride it I was confident the F 900 XR would suit me just fine.
To be sure, however, I asked to take it for a quick spin and discovered, to my delight, that it was a Keyless ride, further scoring it points in my book.
The convenience of it being keyless signaled I would not have to worry about searching for the key in the numerous pockets of my jacket and pants.
Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity. Fitted as standard, I knew this feature would be handy during this and any other ride.
The screen is big enough to read comfortably while riding, which is great news for people like me who wear glasses or contact lenses. Satisfied with my final choice, I left the dealership and spent the next few days familiarizing myself with the features of the F 900 XR.
The day of the Ride finally arrived and to my dismay, it was cold and wet. Fortunately, the mid-range F 900 XR is fitted with “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. I simply selected the appropriate mode to suit the wet tarmac and set off to meet the other women from all across Gauteng who would be attending the ride.
Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency. The F 900 XR weighs 219kg and at first, this had been a concern for me because I had had a tennis elbow operation on my right hand. 219kg is a hefty amount of metal but instead, the sports adventure bike proved light and easy to manoeuver.
Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency.
Of all the things I found impressive about the F 900 XR, I was most taken by its upright, yet relaxed riding position. I could quite easily see myself riding very long distances without fear of discomfort and lower back pain.
Overall, my time on the F 900 XR was too short – as if any amount of time would suffice – and I would highly recommend it to any lady looking for a motorcycle that isn’t a superbike. That said, I would want BMW Motorrad to make the Electronic Suspension Adjustment, a standard feature to make it easier for short riders to get on and off it safely and with ease.
Priced from: R 217 000 – 00
Thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways for the bike loan
About Crescentia Ndimande
Crescentia Ndimande, mother of two, has been riding motorbikes since 2006, after being introduced in the biking fraternity by her late brother in law in 1991. Crescentia is part of Cancervive, and co-owns Dynamic Road Safety alongside her husband. Over the years, Crescentia has ridden a variety of bikes namely the Indian Chieftain, Triumph Rocket, Thunderbird 1700cc, Commander, Tiger 800cc, Harley 1200c, Hayabusa 1300cc, Honda Blackbird 1100cc, VFR 1200cc.
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 |
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 |
In danger of having your car repossessed? Here’s what you should know
For many South Africans, 2021 seems to be an extension of a long and financially difficult 2020. The truth is, our country’s economic climate was somewhat cloudy prior to the pandemic and global lockdown which only served to make matters more dire.
As more and more businesses permanently close their doors an increasing number of people fine themselves unemployed or having to make do with reduced incomes; the ripple effect being the affordability of their vehicles.
Vuyi Mpofu spoke with Casper Badenhorst, Senior Associate at legal firm, Ulrich & Associates about car repossessions, consumer rights and the process credit providers need to go through before sending a collector to reclaim a vehicle.
VM: Are car repossessions ‘legal’?
CB: Repossessions are legal if the correct and legal channels are followed allowing a person to repossess a vehicle. Should a person attempt to repossess the vehicle, you must always ask to see a copy of the court order or warrant of execution allowing them to take the vehicle.
Once the credit provider is granted a court order, the credit provider may execute on this order by instructing the Sheriff to attach the vehicle.
– Casper Badenhorst, Senior Associate, Ulrich & Associates
VM: What is the process the bank needs to follow in order to repossess your vehicle?
CB: A bank must send a section 129 Notice in terms of the National Credit Act in order to inform the defaulting payer that they must pay. In addition to this demand, the bank must also inform the defaulting payer that he/she has the option to refer the matter to a debt counselor, alternative dispute resolution agent, consumer court or an Ombud within the jurisdiction in order to assist in resolving the debt.
The aim of this is to seek an amicable way of resolving the issue without it having to escalate to court. If the debt is referred to, say a debt counselor, it must be done within 10 business days from receipt of the letter.
Should the defaulting consumer not respond to the section 129 Notice, the credit provider may issue summons and approach the court for an order to enforce the credit agreement.
Once the credit provider is granted a court order, the credit provider may execute on this order by instructing the Sheriff to attach the vehicle. Once the vehicle is attached the vehicle will be valued and auctioned off at a public auction.
Should there still be a shortfall owing even after the auction, the bank can still hold the consumer liable for the shortfall payment
– Casper Badenhorst, Senior Associate, Ulrich & Associates
VM: What are your rights in relation to vehicle repossessions?
CB: A consumer who is in default of payments towards a vehicle has rights when it comes to repossession of their vehicle, particularly when vehicles are financed through credit agreements. The legal processes a financier of a vehicle may repossess a vehicle is either by obtaining a court order and warrant of execution or if the consumer voluntarily surrenders the vehicle in terms of the National Credit Act.
In terms of the National Credit Act, consumers will be provided with an opportunity to reduce the arrears by requiring the financier to first try and sell the vehicle in order to reduce a large portion of the outstanding debt. The alternative is that a financier will need to approach a court for an order to allow them to repossess the vehicle.
VM: If the bank sells a car at auction but gets less money than is outstanding, can the owner be held responsible for the shortfall?
CB: Should there still be a shortfall owing even after the auction, the bank can still hold the consumer liable for the shortfall payment.
VM: If a vehicle is repossessed what, if any, recourse do consumers have?
CB: Once a vehicle is legally repossessed, in that a bank has obtained a court order, the recourse against the repossession becomes quite difficult. This is particularly so when the defaulting consumer has no defence to the default in payments towards the vehicle.
A person cannot simply take your vehicle without having followed the correct processes
Casper Badenhorst, Senior Associate, Ulrich & Associates
The remedy available to a consumer is to consider whether the processes followed by the bank has been done correctly, however, one must consider whether there is any reason for the non-payment of the debt owing towards the vehicle.
VM: What should consumers be aware of in respect of repossessions?
CB: Credit providers, such as banks, are required to follow strict processes in order to repossess vehicles. A person cannot simply take your vehicle without having followed the correct processes to obtain a court order or to inform you of the default and consequences thereof. In addition to understanding that a court order must be obtained, consumers must be aware of the availability of requesting the bank to try sell the vehicle in order to reduce the debt owing to the bank, in the event that the consumer is unable to repay the debt.
No doubt we are living in difficult and losing your livelihood can be extremely stressful times. Should you have further queries about your vehicle finance don’t be afraid to approach your financier for assistance on the way forward.
NEW ON THE TARMAC: Farewell Honda Jazz. Hello Honda FIT
Honda has unveiled the much-anticipated FIT model range, which replaces the well-known Jazz nameplate in South Africa, and Vuyi Mpofu attended the launch in Hermanus, Western Cape.
As beloved as the Jazz has been, it faced intense challenges from competitors whose increasing offering included modern design, up-to-date technology, copious amounts of interior space, and fuel efficiency. The Honda Jazz also carried the rather unfortunate stigma of being a “granny-mobile”, making it not-so-desirable to the younger and trendy market.
Determined to remain in the game and do its best to disrupt the compact hatchback segment, the Honda FIT offers South African customers – new and existing – a mix of frugality, practicality, and best of all, variety.
The first important highlight about the Honda FIT is that models aimed for Mzansi are built in Japan and not in India.
– Vuyi Mpofu, MD, Driving in heels sa
Landing at Cape Town International airport on a cold, windy, and rainy day my enthusiasm for testing the little city runner faded a little. After all, who wants to drive in such weather?
I tried to remember the safety features in the Honda Jazz and trusted those and more would save the day.
The first important highlight about the Honda FIT is that models aimed for Mzansi are built in Japan and not in India. If you’ve ever sat in a vehicle assembled in India, you’ll know why this is very, very good news and if you haven’t, let’s just say vehicles built in India give the term “new car smell’ an unpleasantly different and new meaning; to say nothing about question marks surrounding build quality.
CVT in itself works well, but, whenever you try to squeeze more power out of it, the system responds pretty much in the same way I imagine a cat would if you tried to bathe it.
– VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
Having driven the Honda FIT Hybrid on the morning of the launch, I climbed into the FIT Executive (range-topping petrol model) after a hearty lunch. The Hybrid model had set the bar rather high and I worried that the variant Executive might not live up to the task.
The petrol derivatives employ continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and therein lies the reason for my sadness and deep concern. CVT in itself works well, but, whenever you try to squeeze more power out of it, the system responds pretty much in the same way I imagine a cat would if you tried to bathe it – it emits a high-pitched scream and doesn’t let up until you ease up on the accelerator and allow the car to return to a pace which it is comfortable at.
Needless to say, this is not ideal because when I want to go, I need a car that complies – not one that protests and ultimately screeches me into defeat.
That would probably be the ‘worst’ feature about the petrol-powered Honda Fit models and accepting this begrudgingly, I set about the task of the day – driving the Honda FIT Executive model.
My best feature is the front seat heaters (available in the Executive and Hybrid models only) which came in handy during the cold, wet drive.
– VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
What It Looks Like Inside and Out
The Honda Fit range has a futuristic and contemporary design. Styling enhancements include a sleek front face, smooth contours, a short nose, and a refined rear roof spoiler. Premium-look rear combination lamps and light cluster design, all of which blend to complement the FIT’s clean, minimalistic exterior aesthetics.
Furthermore, the A-pillar thickness is now just 55mm and along with the hidden windscreen wipers, this provides the driver and front-seat passenger with an unobstructed, almost panoramic field of vision.
The clean, uncluttered design of the Honda FIT continues on the inside and Honda has included enough technological elements to bring the little city runner on par with its competitors.
The user-focused dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel that sweeps horizontally across the cabin, enhancing the sense of cabin spaciousness. The central HMI 9-inch touchscreen (standard on Elegance and Executive grades) and 7-inch full TFT instrument cluster which is standard across the range, are simple and easy to read.
My best feature is the front seat heaters (available in the Executive and Hybrid models only) which came in handy during the cold, wet drive. A review-view camera is fitted to all the models except for the entry-level Comfort
My concerns about driving on wet roads were decapitated once I began driving the Executive model.
VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
What’s Under It’s Pretty Little Bonnet?
There are three petrol derivatives in the Honda FIT line-up as well as a Hybrid model. These are the entry-level Comfort, mid-level Elegance, and range-topping Executive, All are fitted with a 1.5L DOHC petrol engine, (the same unit found in the latest Honda Ballade) that churns 90kW of power and 146Nm of torque.
Interestingly, a manual transmission is not on offer.
All The Safety You Need
My concerns about driving on wet roads were decapitated once I began driving the Executive model because the Honda FIT range comes standard with an impressive list of safety features which include (but are not limited to), Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist and Automatic Brake Hold.
Passive safety comes in the form of six airbags, comprising front, side, and curtain SRS airbags.
Model Specifications & Colour Line-Up
The colour line-up for the new FIT range includes a host of new colours including Opal White (Pearl), Crystal Red (Metallic), Meteoroid Grey (Metallic), Midnight Blue (Metallic), and Rose Gold (Metallic), in addition to existing line-up colours which include Platinum White (Pearl) and Lunar silver (Metallic).
I look forward to receiving the Honda FIT on a longer test period at which time my thoughts about the city car will be more detailed. From the launch experience, however, I believe the Honda FIT offers the South African market a fresh design, good value for money, up-to-date technology, copious amounts of interior space and legroom, and fuel efficiency. The Honda FIT seems to be a city car for everyday use, ready to meet the needs of modern consumers.
Warranty And Service Plan
For additional peace of mind, the Honda FIT range comes standard with Honda’s five-year/200 000 warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000km Service Plan with 15 000km service intervals. Customers also have the reassurance of three-year AA Roadside Assistance. The FIT Hybrid model comes standard with an extended eight-year/200 000km warranty specifically covering the battery and related components of the Hybrid system.
Pricing:
1.5 Comfort CVT: R319,900
1.5 Elegance CVT: R359,900
1.5 Executive CVT: R389,900
1.5 e-CVT Hybrid: R469,900 (only available from October 2021)
Pricing includes a five-year/200,000km warranty and a four-year/60,000km service plan.
At a Glance: Meet the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
Vuyi Mpofu attended the media presentation of the new G-Class and shares a bird’s-eye-view of what the iconic SUV has to offer.
By far the longest-standing passenger car model series built by Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is the forefather of all SUVs that carry the three-pointed star. It has become the standard against which others are measured in the off-road-vehicle segment: around 80 percent of all the G-Class vehicles ever produced are still in use, testament to its outstanding quality and durability.
The off-roader has shown its versatility in numerous special-purpose versions with the police, fire and rescue services around the world. It is also known the world over as the ‘Popemobile’, with Pope John Paul using a 230 G, painted in mother of pearl with a transparent special body, on numerous trips from 1980.
To mark its 40th anniversary in 2019, Mercedes-Benz had unveiled a range of highlights for G-Class fans, starting with the special STRONGER THAN TIME model – including the exclusive G 400 d, J40 Edition offering the most powerful expansion stage of the efficient inline six-cylinder diesel engine yet.
“41 years ago, the combination of on- and off-road properties was a revolutionary concept. The current G-Class continues this tradition, and forms the basis for its status as an automotive icon,” said Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “We are celebrating this milestone with several highlights for our customers and fans. I am convinced that, for the G-Class, it is just the beginning.”
For eternity: Three STRONGER THAN TIME edition
The three STRONGER THAN TIME Editions to mark the anniversary year as a real birthday treat.
The G 400 d offers a combined fuel consumption of 8.9-8.7 l/100 km, an output of 243 kW and an impressive maximum torque of 700 Nm at 1200 to 3200 rpm.
The G 400d comes in AMG Line guise, with flared wheel arches over black 20- inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG design elements in the bumpers and an exterior protective strip, brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and, The standard-fit Night Package gives the special model darkened lights as well as outside mirrors, a spare wheel ring and design elements in the bumpers in obsidian black and tinted rear windows. Attention to detail is showcased at night: the surround lamp projects the G logo and the lettering ‘STRONGER THAN TIME’ onto the road.
The Mercedes-Benz Editions are available in two looks: traditionalists will be delighted by a variant whose interior is characterised by black nappa leather with golden topstitching as well as trim elements in open-pore black ash. There are several paint and interior options available to those wanting a particularly exclusive G-Class.
Customers can choose from a wide colour palette for the nappa leather on the steering wheel, instrument panel and seats, and for the topstitching and seat belts. For the exterior, 4 paint colours offer a choice for every taste – and the spare wheel ring is now also available in the vehicle colour.
The technical data of the new Mercedes-Benz G 400d is as follows:
| G 400d 4MATIC | ||
| Model/Number of cylinders/Arrangement | Diesel/6 in-line | |
| Displacement | cc | 2925 |
| Rated output, combustion engine | kW/hp at rpm | 243/330 at 3600-4200 |
| Rated torque, combustion engine | Nm at rpm | 700 at 1200-3200 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | s | 6.4 |
| Top speed | km/h | 210 |
| Consumption, combined or weighted | l/100 km | 8.9-8.7 |
| CO2 emissions, combined or weighted | g/km | 235-229 |
We will be better positioned to give an in-depth review of the G 400 d when we get it on test.
Price from:
G 400d 4MATIC: R2 874 000
At a Glance: Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d Coupe, a Coupe for heightened standards
Mercedes-Benz has launched the latest GLE 400d Coupe, a burgeoning SUV and our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu attended the media presentation. She shares a bird’s-eye-view of what the vehicle has to offer.
The new GLE Coupé combines the modern luxury, elegance and sportiness of a coupé with the robustness and technology of the latest large premium SUV models.
South African customers will initially only have one model available in 2020: the GLE 400 d 4MATIC Sports Coupe, which offers a powerful 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque. This results in a brisk 0-100 time of 5.7 seconds at a combined fuel consumption of 7.4-6.9 l/100 km.
“With the renewal of the premium-SUV family, Mercedes-Benz is also putting the GLE Coupé on a new technical footing, says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “The GLE 400d Coupé combines the impressive power of an off-road vehicle with the emotively appealing sportiness and elegance of a coupé,” says Govender.
Exterior design: powerful presence
The new GLE Coupé is 4939 mm long and 2010 mm wide (39 mm longer and 7 mm wider than its predecessor). The front view combines the characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family with clear coupé attributes such as the diamond grille with its single horizontal louvre.
The dynamism of the coupé line is especially evident in the rear-end design. A broad muscle in the vehicle flank beneath the C-pillar, that starts in the rear door and envelops the tail lamps, gives the GLE Coupé its powerful, ready-to-pounce appearance. Together with the elongated tail lamps, it highlights the width of the rear end. The lamps are specific to the coupé, but fit the characteristic day and night design of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs outline.
The GLE 400d Coupé combines the impressive power of an off-road vehicle with the emotively appealing sportiness and elegance of a coupé.
– Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa
Interior design: sporty, with particular design touches
The interior of the new GLE Coupé shares numerous features with the other models in the new premium-SUV family and clearly emphasises the sporty aspect. A familiar sight is the modern cockpit with two large 12.3-inch /31.2 cm screens. The strikingly styled instrument panel, horizontally divided by a trim tier, transitions seamlessly into the door panels. The sporty emphasis comes courtesy of the standard sports seats and the new sports steering wheel with nappa leather trim. The SUV touch, meanwhile, is added by the tall centre console with the dominant grab handles.
Enjoy the pleasure of being served: the Mercedes-Benz User Experience
The GLE Coupé offers the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with a host of functions for connectivity, entertainment and operating comfort. They include intuitive voice control and the learning capability of MBUX, as well as a large range of apps that can be integrated into or controlled with MBUX.
Driving assistance systems: even better support in all situations
The new GLE Coupé has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems, which results in an especially high level of active safety. As standard, the new GLE Coupé boasts Active Brake Assist, which can help prevent rear-end collisions and collisions with crossing pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
Some Intelligent Drive functions can be ordered as additional options. They include the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, which allows the vehicle to react to information from Live Traffic, even before the driver or the radar and camera sensors can perceive a traffic obstruction. When a traffic tailback is detected, the speed is reduced to approx. 100 km/h as a precaution unless the driver specifically decides otherwise.
The technical data of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé:
| GLE 400 d 4MATIC Coupé | ||
| Model/Number of cylinders/Arrangement | Diesel/6 in-line | |
| Displacement | cc | 2925 |
| Rated output, combustion engine | kW/hp at rpm | 243/330 at 3600-4200 |
| Rated torque, combustion engine | Nm at rpm | 700 at 1200-3200 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | s | 5.7 |
| Top speed | km/h | 240 |
| Consumption, combined | l/100 km | 7.4-6.9 |
| CO2 emissions, combined (AMG Line as standard) | g/km | 210-202 |
Priced from:
GLE 400 d 4MATIC Coupé: R 1 814 000
At a Glance: Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLS: The S-Class of SUV’s
At the recent media presentation of the SUV range from Mercedes-Benz, our editor Vuyi Mpofu briefly interacted with the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Here is a bird’s-eye-view of what the luxurious vehicle has to offer.
Mercedes-Benz’s largest and most luxurious SUV to dates now available in South Africa, offering more space, more comfort and more luxury than ever before. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is even larger than its predecessor, with a 60 mm longer wheelbase that provides increased interior spaciousness, and combines striking looks with outstanding comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability.
South African customers will be able to choose from the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4M and Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4M, which marks the world première of a new electrified V8 petrol engine with 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator.
“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like no other vehicle. In addition, it is the market leader in its segment – just like the S-Class Sedan,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
The GLS 580 4MATIC’s new electrified V8 petrol engine has a displacement of four litres and produces an output of 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque, with another 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW of additional output temporarily on tap via EQ Boost. Combined fuel consumption is around 10.1-9.8 l/100 km. The GLS 400 d 4MATIC produces 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque, with combined fuel consumption of 7.9-7.6 l/100 km.
In both variants, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like no other vehicle.
– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa
A new standard feature is the Carwash function, which moves the suspension to the highest position, folds in the exterior mirrors, closes the side windows and the sliding sunroof and switches the climate control to air-recirculation mode. It deactivates automatically when the driver drives out of the carwash and accelerates to a speed above 20 km/h.
Exterior design: powerful presence
The front section of the new GLS exudes presence and power, with a striking appearance emphasised with an upright radiator grille and distinctive headlamp design.
Interior design: luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive
The interior combines the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with the robustly progressive detailing of an SUV. There are three fully electrically adjustable seat rows
The centre console offers a wireless-charging compartment for smartphones (Standard in the GLS 580) and standard additional USB ports. Rear passengers are further indulged with the optional Rear Comfort Package plus which includes luxury head restraints with additional cushions and the rearward-extended centre console between the front seats with cup holders.
The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader. It combines powerful highlights of off-road design & capability with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury sedan.
– SELVIN GOVENDER, MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR MERCEDES-BENZ CARS SOUTH AFRICA
The Rear Comfort package Plus also includes removable 7-inch Android tablet in its own docking station in the second row’s larger luxury centre armrest, coupled with wireless charging in the rear. The tablet allows touch control of all the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) comfort and entertainment functions from the rear seat rows, such as access to radio, media, phone and web browser. It can also be used to control the Rear Seat Comfort package and the five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats. The driver can assume control of all options and features from his or her seat at any time.
Driving assistance systems: even better support
The new GLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation allows the new GLS to recognise and respond to tailbacks or slow-moving traffic before the driver becomes aware of the hazard. When a traffic jam is detected on the highway (and if the driver does not choose a different response), DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. Once the tailback clears, the GLS accelerates back up to the pre-set speed.
Trailer Manoeuvring Assist is available as an option for drivers not familiar with towing trailers, or more experienced drivers towing longer trailers.
Suspension: AIRMATIC air suspension as standard
The GLS comes with the enhanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus fitted as standard. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board. The off-road functions include recovery mode when coupled with the optional Off Road Engineering package.
If the GLS has become bogged down in a sand dune, for example, the suspension level is automatically raised and lowered several times, which changes the ground pressure of the tyres and therefore improves traction – the GLS rocks itself free. Individual wheel actuation allows the level at each wheel to be individually adjusted via the touchscreen of the media display, thus improving the vehicle’s alignment on rough terrain when one wheel is stuck in a ditch or a wheel spring is fully contracted, for instance. This also helps to increase traction and the torque at the wheel.
This is how the two GLS models compare:
| GLS 400 d 4MATIC | GLS 580 4MATIC | |
| Number of cylinders/arrangement | 6/in-line | V8 |
| Displacement (cc) | 2925 | 3982 |
| Rated output (kW) | 243 | 360 |
| at rpm | 3600-4200 | 5500 |
| Extra output from EQ Boost (kW) on take-off | – | 16 |
| Rated torque (Nm) | 700 | 700 |
| at rpm | 1200-3200 | 2000-4000 |
| Add. torque from ECO Boost (Nm) on take-off | – | 250 |
| Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km) | 7.9 – 7.6 | 10.0 – 9.8 |
| Combined CO2 emissions(g/km) | 208 – 201 | 229 – 224 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 238 | 250 |
We will be in a better position give a more in-depth overview of the GLS once we get it on test.
Pricing:
Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d – R1 842 000
Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 – R2 025 000
