6 MAART

BESTOF THEBEST: INTERNATIONAL HALLOF FAME

RE/MAXbids farewelltooutstandingagentWell-known RE/MAX Helder-berg sales associate, Linda VanNes, is returning to the Nether-lands in May.

“After having been involved inthe South African real estate indus-try for more than 14 years, the timehas come to say goodbye, and aboveall to say a huge thank you to all myclients and colleagues,” says Linda.“My husband and I left the

Netherlands and came to South Af-rica 15 years ago because of a job of-fer, and the same has happened inreverse now, which will take usback to the Netherlands. Ithasbeenanemotionalproc-ess as I have enjoyed SouthAfrica andmy job in the es-tate agency trade so much.I made good friendsthrough my work andreceived many prestigiousawards as a result of mysales and service.”In 2013 Linda achieved

one of the highest careerawards within the compa-ny’s international realmwhen shewas inducted into theRE/MAX International Hall of Fame.This international award, which

is one of the prestigious awards pre-sented at a glittering ceremony inthe USA every year, is awarded toRE/MAX sales associates world-widewhohaveattainedremarkableearnings, measured in US Dollars.Both the 2013 RE/MAX SA

National Hall of Fame and the Mil-lionaire’s Club Awards were pre-sented to Linda at the RE/MAX re-gional annual awards ceremonyheldatLordCharlesHotelon14Feb-ruary this year.Linda joined RE/MAX Helder-

bergafterasix-year tenureatanoth-

er large agency.“I moved to RE/MAX eight years

ago,” she explains; “because I sawmorepotential in theRE/MAXbusi-ness model. Since that move, mybusiness activities grew rapidly.“The way the real estate business

has changed in recent years, becom-ing increasingly professional, hashad a very positive impact for bothsellers and buyers. Agents are con-tinuously educated and trained,leading to better qualified peoplewith higher standards.“Those who could not meet these

requirements have left the indus-

try, and in the last few years therehave been several of them.”“The newRE/MAX slogan – ‘Sell-

ing your home? Use the agent whoknows not the agent you know.’ –makes a great deal of sense and isvery good advice,” adds Linda.“Our office inWaterstone Village

is an amazing spot. It guaranteessellers the best exposure possible asall the stock isonpermanent exhibi-tion. RE/MAX websites www.glo-bal.remax.com and of coursewww.remax.co.za are, in today’sdigital world, the ultimate tools toattract buyers and sellers alike.“Our activities on social net-

worksand theRE/MAXadvertising

campaigns are unique.“Asaresultofall this,wesellmost

of our solemandates toourownpur-chasers, and quite often, within thefirst week of the mandate period. Ican highly recommend my RE/MAX colleagues at the Waterstoneoffice.”“I owe my success to, and would

like to express my deep apprecia-tion to all who have been importantin my career and in my daily life inSomersetWest and in South Africa.Although I’m starting to look for-ward tomymove back ‘home’, Som-erset West will always be in my

heart and thoughts, and I willnever hesitate to recommendthis fantastic town as a littlepiece of heaven,” said Linda.RE/MAX Helderberg bro-

ker/owner, Lee Siebert, saysLinda has been instrumentalin the success of her team.“Lindawill be sorelymissed inour office and in the communi-ty in which she has become amuch-loved and much-recog-nised giver of her time andboundless energy. She has tre-

mendous spirit and has not only as-sistedsomanyofourclients,buthasworked tirelessly on communityprojects and support groups. To-gether with her husband, Jan, shehas been an activeRotarian for fouryears,” says Siebert.“Linda has always supported our

marketing andbranding efforts andhas been a pivotal force within ourteam. From all of us at RE/MAXwebid Linda and Jan a fond farewelland the best of luck in the future.We hope to see them both back heresoon – if only for a visit.”Formore informationcontactLee

Siebert of RE/MAX Helderberg on021 952 6464.

Well­known RE/MAX Helderberg Sales Associate, Linda Van Nes, with herprestigious awards.

‘I owemy success to, andwould like to expressmydeep appreciation to allwho have been importantinmy career and inmydaily life in Somerset

West and in South Africa.’

2 Districtmail6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

3Districtmail6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland

SOLD bied die grootste en maklikste toegang tot die

mark vir eiendomkopers en -verkopers in die Boland.

021 870 4600

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

7Districtmail6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

Iconicproperty for sale in topwinelandsestateBel’Aire Winelands Estate is one of themost prestigious secure developmentsin the Winelands, occupying an elevat-ed position on the eastern edge of Som-erset West. Many homes in this secureresidential estate command panoramicviewsoverFalseBay, theBolandmoun-tain ranges and even all the way to Ta-ble Mountain.

Pam Golding Properties (PGP) agentThea Albertyn says Bel’Aire WinelandsEstate was established in the late 1990s,and consists of a little over 200 properties,all but five of them fully developed. Thesecure estate enjoys 24-hour guarded ac-cess with perimeter patrols in the eve-nings, shelter from the prevailing winds,and a high level of privacy. The average

selling price in 2013 was R3,93 million, butprices can range well above R10 million forthe larger and more luxurious homes.

“This is an area of very stable propertyownership,” says Albertyn, “with 90 per-cent of residents having lived here for over11 years. Residents have always been domi-nated by those in the 36-65 age group, butin recent years we have seen a small butnotable increase in the number of youngerand middle-aged buyers. For this agegroup, the proximity of Somerset Collegeprivate school is a big selling point – theestate is very popular with parents at theschool, who enjoy its child-friendly envi-ronment and the easy commute to school.”Proximity to the R44 highway is anotherkey selling point. The N2 is also easily ac-cessible. “Major amenities are also close

at hand,” says PGP’s area manager forSomerset West, Louise Varga, “with theSomerset Mall under 4 km away, and theWaterstone Shopping Mall and the VirginActive gym under 3 km away.”

Properties currently on the marketrange from R3,8 million in price, to a luxu-rious triple-storey home in Place de laChance, on the market at R16,995 million.The latter is a sophisticated contemporaryhome designed by Archen architecture,and was built about six years ago. It occu-pies a substantial plot of close to 3 700 m²,with sweeping views towards Table Moun-tain and False Bay.

The home has over 1 100 m² of livingspace including four luxury bedroomsuites, with the master suite offering hisand hers dressing rooms. There are four

large reception rooms as well as an open-plan kitchen and separate scullery andpantry. Other features include a heatedrim-flow pool, two fully-equipped bars, amarble staircase, elevator and wine cellar.The home also offers an 18-seater cinema,gym, hobby room and library, staff accom-modation and garaging for three vehicles.Separate from the main house is a pizzaoven and electric spit-braai.

The gardens are watered by a borehole,and include a koi pond, a gazebo, smallvineyard, olive grove and hydroponic tun-nel.

To view this home, or for more informa-tion on property in Bel’Aire Winelands Es-tate, contact PGP agent Thea Albertyn on021 851 2633, 082 925 5510 or thea.alber-tyn@pamgolding.co.za.

Pam Golding Properties (PGP) has the mandate to market this iconic home in Bel’Aire Wine­lands Estate, Somerset West, at R16,995 million.

The sophisticated contemporary home was built about six years ago. It occupies a sub­stantial plot of close to 3700 m², with sweeping views towards Table Mountain and FalseBay.

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BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

11Paarl Post6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON

Improveyourhome finance chancesFormost of us, we need finance inorder to purchase property. It’sdevastating to find the home ofyourdreams,closeasale,andthenfind out later the bank has de-clined your finance.

So what can be done to avoid thissituation and improve your chancesof your finance being approved?

When you apply for finance thebanks do an extensive check, not juston your income and the ability youhave to service your bond, but alsoon your creditworthiness and yourpayment history.

In many cases the consumer is notaware of their payment history rat-

ing, and may not even know of judg-ments against them. You are entitledtoonefreecreditcheckayear.Sovisitwww.creditexpert.co.za orwww.mytransunion.co.za for a freecredit report. You will be able to seeif there are any problems that needaddressingbeforeyouevenstartyoursearch for a property.

The next step in the process is tomake sure you know exactly what fi-nance you will qualify for. Speak toyour bank, or even better, to an inde-pendent home loans consultant suchas Ooba. Ooba has the ability to pre-qualify you as a client. This processinvolves a number of different creditchecks, as well as an evaluation of

your income in order to guide you.You will be informed not only how

much bond you will qualify for, butalso at what estimated loan-to-value.In other words, what percentage ofthe purchase price are you likely tofinance. It’s very important that youunderstand the difference.

For example, you may qualify fora bond of R1 700 000. But this may notmeanyoucanpurchaseapropertyforR1 700 000 and finance the fullamount. Most banks will not finance100% of the purchase price overR1 500 000.

In reality, banks will generallyavoid 100% finance. So, if you wantto increase your chances of bond ap-

proval you will need to be in a posi-tion to put down a deposit of 10% ormore. This more than doubles yourchance of bond approval.

It’s also important to appreciatethat banks work on risk. So, the high-er the bond amount as a percentageof the purchase price, the worse theinterest rate is. The lower the risk tothe bank, the better the interest rateyou will get.

In many cases the banks will quali-fy you on an interest rate of prime+2% - allowing for potential interestrate increases.

In addition to a deposit, you will al-soneedcashtocovertransferfeesandbond costs. You will be able to calcu-

late whatthese are bygoing to attor-ney websitesand usingtheir onlinecalculators –or just askyour estateagent.

If you do your homework properlybefore you make an offer to purchasea home then you greatly increaseyour chances of success. You alsostrengthen the value of your offer toa seller who will know the chancesof finance approval are high, com-pared to other buyers.

Steve Caradoc­Davies

12 Paarl Post6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDPAARL/WELLINGTON

Howto find the right tenantWhen it comes to finding the right ten-ant, there are some important consid-erations to take into account when de-ciding on the type of mandate to giveyour rental agent.

MichelleDickens,managingdirector ofTenant Profile Network (TPN), explainsthat there are some serious shortcomingsto consider when issuing an open man-date, as opposed to a sole mandate.She says landlords assume that normal-

ly an open mandate will be beneficial be-cause it creates healthy competition be-tween agents, and the landlord would

then be able to take their pick from a setof highly considered options.However, she says the high demand for

rental stock right now means that itdoesn’t take long to rent a property –there are a plethora of prospective ten-ants on the market.The result being that most agents only

earn a commission onplacements they se-cure, she explains.On the other hand, when choosing to

take a sole mandate approach with justone agent, the difficulty presented is thatyou won’t have the same competition be-tween agents.

Dickens says many landlords assumethat they won’t be able to negotiate on thecommission offered.This isn’t the case actually, and land-

lords can in fact negotiate on the commis-sion upfront, after which they give theagent the opportunity to goand source thebest potential tenant for the property, shesays.Dickens says it is worth the wait for a

good tenant, even if your property standsempty for a while during your search.Dickens says you must receive a copy

of a full credit report on the tenant beforeyou go ahead and place them.

13Eikestadnuus6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD STELLENBOSCH

14 Eikestadnuus6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDSTELLENBOSCH

Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland

SOLD bied die grootste en maklikste toegang tot die

mark vir eiendomkopers en -verkopers in die Boland.

021 870 4600

021 841 4285

021 887 2840

15Eikestadnuus6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD STELLENBOSCH

16 Eikestadnuus6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDSTELLENBOSCH

GWMH6 : LARGER ENGINE BUTNO FUEL CONSUMPTION PENALTY

CompetitivelypricedChineseSUVQUICKPIC

GWM SA has added a powerful, yet fru-gal, 1.5-litre turbopetrol version of theH6 SUV to its local line-up. At the sametime, the company has also announcedlonger warranties for both H6 models aswell as a standard 5 years/60 000 kmservice plan.

Perfectly aligned with the current trendof engine downsizing, the company’s newGW4G15B powerplant delivers the perform-ance of a larger, naturally aspirated engine,but without the accompanying fuel con-sumption penalty. The engine delivers 105kW at 5 600 rpm and 210 Nm of torque from2 200 to 4 500 rpm. Power goes to the frontwheels via a slick six-speed manual trans-mission. With a combined cycle fuel con-sumption figure of only 8,5 F/100 km, the H61.5T rates as one of the most economical ve-hicles in its segment.

Priced at a very competitive R309 999, theH6 1.5T features a very comprehensivestandard specification sheet, and GWM SAhas also used the opportunity to further im-prove the value offered by the H6 line-up byincreasing the warranty period on bothmodels from 3 years/100 000 km to 5years/100 000 km and by adding a standardservice plan of 5 years/60 000 km.

“Given the local popularity of compact SU-Vs at around the R300 000 mark, the arrivalof the H6 1,5T is of big importance to GWMSA,” says Warren Olsen, COO of GWM SA.“It competes in a fiercely competitive seg-ment, but boasts a number of features thatare not generally offered by its same-pricerivals,” Olsen concludes.

With its smooth contours, chiselled flanksand exquisite detailing, the H6 provides adistinctive and upmarket new alternative inthe fiercely contested compact SUV/crosso-ver segment. The H6 1.5T shares the flagship2.0 TCI’s premium trim, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding withchrome detailing, roof rails, dailight run-ning lamps and privacy glass. The 1.5Tuniquely boasts keyless access and start,too.

Under its elegant bodywork the H6 fea-tures an all-new unibody platform that en-sures superb rigidity and low levels of NVH(noise, vibration and harshness). Suspen-sion is via MacPherson struts at the frontand a multi-link arrangement at the rear.The H6’s underpinnings have been tuned todeliver maximum occupant comfort. Witha ground clearance of 180 mm when fully lad-en, the H6 can also confidently traverserougher roads and those middelmannetjiesso typical of South African adventures.

The H6 measures 4 640 mm in length andrides on a 2 680 mm wheelbase. These gener-ous dimensions endow the H6 with a veryspacious cabin, as well as luggage area.“Closer inspection of the H6’s measure-ments reveals that it actually fits into a seg-ment between so-called compact crossovers,as typified by the Hyundai ix35, KiaSportage and others, and larger offeringssuch as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Soren-to,” says Brand Manager, Hannes Oosthui-zen.

The driver’s seat features manual heightadjustment, while the rear bench boasts areclining backrest. The rear seats are split60:40 and can tumble forward to transformthe already spacious boot into a truly cav-

ernous utility area. The boot itself featuresa handy secondary shelf (removable) to helporganise luggage. A full-size spare wheel islocated underneath the boot floor.

From the driver’s seat, the emphasis onmaximum ergonomic efficiency is obvious.The leather-trimmed steering wheel is ad-justable for both rake and reach, the facia-mounted gearlever falls easily to hand andthere are fold-out armrests for both frontseats. The H6’s interior is finished in upmar-ket black, with satin silver accents furthercontributing to the sophisticated ambience.Leather and soft-touch surfaces also appearon the doors.

The crowning jewel of the H6’s standardfeatures list is its comprehensive infotain-ment system. A full-colour touch-screen sys-tem is mounted in the centre of the faciawithin easy reach, and features radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback. It is further supportedby a mini-SD slot (below the screen), andUSB and auxiliary ports mounted in thestorage box between the seats. The systemfeatures Bluetooth integration, and can beremotely controlled via buttons mounted onthe steering wheel. When reverse gear is se-lected, the screen displays a feed from therear-mounted camera, aiding in parkingmanoeuvres. An audible warning system isalso activated when reversing.

Other standard features include climatecontrol, power steering, cruise control, elec-tric windows all-round, electric mirror ad-justment, rain-sensing wipers and automat-ic headlights with manual levelling.

The H6’s high-strength body has been de-signed to meet global safety requirements.The H6 achieved a maximum five-star ratingin China’s stringent C-NCAP crash testingregime. South African vehicles feature dualfront SRS airbags, disc brakes all-round,

ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distri-bution) and BAS (brake assist). Isofix childseat mounts provide the safest possible an-chorage points for child seats. Tyre pressuremonitors are also standard and the rear parksensors (with camera view) limit the chanc-es of parking scrapes.

Security is provided by a standard alarmand immobiliser, with the further conven-ience of remote central locking (in additionto keyless access).

The H6 1.5T is available through GWM’sextensive dealership network, currentlyboasting more than 70 outlets and servicecentres.

H6 2.0 TCI 4x2 manual R 369 999H6 1.5T 4x2 manual R 309 999Both H6 models are backed by GWM’s

comprehensive 5 year/ 100 000 km warrantyand come with a 5-years/60 000 km serviceplan as well as 2-years AA roadside assist-ance.

The crowning jewel of the H6’s standard features list is its comprehensive infotainment system. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

18 Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

19Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD AUTO

20 Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

Lexus IS350FSport:Veiligste in syklasQUICKPIC

Van een wenner aan ’n ander –hartlik geluk aan Porsche! Ditwas ’n uiters mededingendestryd waarin die Lexus IS 350 FSport op merkwaardige wyse syman gestaan het.

Op dié noot kan ’nmens sê dat dieLexus IS alles behalwe ’n vreemde-ling is wanneer dit by die kolligkom.Die reekshethomsedert sybe-kendstelling onderskei en het ’nstring toekennings ingeryg.Die nuwe Lexus IS is in die on-

langse Euro NCAP-botstoetse (diemodelwatgetoets iswasdieIS300 h)as die veiligste in sy klas aangewys.Dié vooraanstaande sportsedan hetdie hoogste gradering in die “grootgesinsmotor”-kategorie in die orga-nisasie se 2013-veiligheidsbotstoets-programgekryendiehoogstegrade-ring van vyf sterre met ’n algeheletelling van 91% losgeslaan.Die IS het op elke gebied uitge-

blink, waaronder die beskermingvan volwasse insittendes (91 per-sent), kinderbeskerming (85 per-sent), voetganger-beskerming (80persent) en veiligheidshulptoerus-ting (66 persent).Die aktiewe opspring-enjinkap,

wat as standaard-toerusting in aldiemodelle indie IS-reeksaangetrefword, is spesifiek deur die EuroNCAP geprys.Dié stelsel span sensors in die

voorste buffer in om te bepaal wan-neer ’n voetganger getref word, enontplooi ’n kettingreaksie wat dieenjinkap oombliklik oplig om diegaping tussen die enjinkap en die

enjinenanderhardekomponente tevergroot. Die verrigting van dievoorste buffer en voorkant van dieenjinkap,wat ’nvoltellinggekryhetvir die beskerming wat dit ’n voet-ganger se bene en bekken bied, isook geloof.DieLexus IS-sedan is in tweeafde-

lings van die 2014-Wêreldmotor vandie Jaar (WMvdJ) benoem.Die netjies gestileerde IS-sedan is

in die afdeling vir algehele motorvandie jaarenontwerpvandie jaar,

waarvan die wenner in April by dieNew York-motorskou aangekondigsal word, benoem.Altesaam 22 voertuie is vir die al-

gehele toekenning gekies, terwylnet tien vir die ontwerp-afdeling be-noem is.Die toekennings,watdeurbykans

70 motorjoernaliste van regoor diewêreld beoordeel word, word geagdie mees objektiewe en krediet-waardige beoordelingmet die hoog-ste integriteit te wees.

Justin Ryan, hoofbestuurder vanLexus SA, het gesê die benoeminggee erkenning aandie feit dat Lexusaan sy belofte voldoen om voertuiete ontwerp wat opwindend is en dieregte verrigting bied.“Die nuwe IS-reeks is vanmeet af

ontwerp om ’n vermaaklike be-stuurdersmotor teweeswat in ’nop-windende ontwerp vervat is, en dieonlangseWêreldmotorvandieJaar-benoemingbeklemtoondit,”hetRy-an gesê.

Lexus het in 2007 ook dieWMvdJ-toekenning vir die LS 460-weeldese-dan gewen. Die 2014-WMvdJ-toe-kenning sal Donderdag 17 April bydieNewYork-motorskouaangekon-dig word.Lexus het die Bestuurdertoeken-

ning in die Auto Express-nuwemo-tortoekennings vir sy terugkeer totdie voorste posisie as Brittanje semees gerespekteerde voertuigver-vaardiger ontvang.Lexus het sy status as die nom-

mer-een-gekeurde vervaardiger indie VK in 2013 hervat, wat ’n erken-ning was van die feit dat hy diékroon ’n ongeëwenaarde agt keerdie afgelope twaalf jaar losgeslaanhet.Die Auto Express-bestuurdertoe-

kenning word egter nie net suiwerdeur kenners in die bedryf hanteernie, maar is ook gegrond op die in-drukke van Britse motorryers.Meer as 46 000 Auto Express-lesersvan die tydskrif en webblad is in2013 ondervra, wat dié toekenning’n wêreldwerklike kredietwaardig-heid gee.Steve Fowler, die hoofredakteur

vanAuto Express, het dit as volg op-gesom: “Lexus het ’n welverdiendetopposisie in die 2013-bestuurder-toekenning ingeneem. Dié vervaar-diger was eerste in drie van die tienafdelings in onspeiling, endienaas-wenner in twee ander – ’n buitenge-wone indrukwekkende vertoning.“Lexus-klante het hul motors se

vooraanstaande eienskappe meeras enigiets anders geprys – hulle iskundig aanmekaargesit, deurspekvan die toerusting en ’n absolute ge-not om te ry.”

Die aktiewe opspring­enjinkap, wat as standaard­toerusting in al die modelle in die IS­reeks aangetref word, isspesifiek deur die Euro NCAP geprys. FOTO: QUICKPIC

21Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD AUTO

BMWreleasesexcitingnewX5The BMW X5 – the founder of theSports Activity Vehicle segmentandgloballybest-sellingcarinitsclass, with more than 1,3 millionunits sold since the launch of thefirst generation – is entering anew chapter in its successful his-tory.

The third-generation X5 seesBMW once again setting the bench-mark for powerful design, interiorspaciousness and luxury, versatili-ty, driving pleasure, efficiency andinnovativeequipment features.ThenewBMWX5offerscustomersanas-sured all-round package equippedto meet the most exacting and var-ied demands.Customers keen to make the con-

figurationof the exterior and interi-or a little more individual can varythe car’s basic equipment with theM Sport package and Pure Experi-ence and Pure Excellence “designworlds”. The defining features ofthe on-board experience of the newBMW X5 are an exclusive interiorambience with luxurious design,high-quality materials and innova-tive comfort-enhancing functions.StandardBMWxDrive intelligent

all-wheel drive can be complement-ed by Dynamic Performance Con-trol as part of the optional Dynamicand Professional adaptive suspen-sion packages. The Dynamic adap-tive suspension package also in-cludes Dynamic Drive active rollstabilisation fora targeted improve-ment of the car’s sportyhandling at-tributes. There is also the option oftheComfortactivesuspensionpack-age, which provides further en-

hanced ride comfortthanks to air suspensionatthe rear axle and DynamicDamper Control. AdaptiveM suspension, available aspart of the M Sport pack-age,alsoincludesDynamicDamper Control and rear-axle air suspension aswellas specifically sports-ori-ented suspension tuning.The Professional adaptivesuspension package,meanwhile, combines thefeatures of Comfort andDynamic. This choice al-lows drivers to select no-ticeably enhanced comfortorhallmarkBMWsportingcapability, as desired. Theselectionof engines availa-ble from launch comprises a V8 en-gine producing 330 kW for theBMWX5xDrive50i and the 190 kWsix-cyl-inder in-line diesel earmarked forthe BMW X5 xDrive30d. They arejoined by an M Performance Auto-mobile in the shape of the BMW X5M50d. All models fulfil the EU6 ex-haust stipulations as standard.BMWEfficientDynamics technol-

ogy allows all variants of the SportsActivity Vehicle to combine raisedperformancewith reduced fuel con-sumption and CO2 emissions. Theincreases in efficiency over thepredecessor model have beenachieved throughmeasures includ-ing intelligent lightweight con-struction techniques and aerody-namic optimisations, which givethe new BMWX5 xDrive30d, for ex-ample, a class-leading drag coeffi-cient (Cd) of 0,31.

The range of BMW Connected-Drive features is now also largerthan ever, and includes innovativedriver assistance systems, some ofwhich are unique among the BMWX5’s rivals. The Sports Activity Ve-hicle also impresses with its out-standing practicality, headlined byits standard 40 : 20 : 40 split/foldingrear seatbackrest, loadcapacity ris-ing from 650 to a maximum 1 870 Fand an optional third row of two ad-ditional seats.As the first ever Sports Activity

Vehicle, the BMW X5 continues toset the trends and standards in itssegment, with the accent firmly ondriving enjoyment and efficiency.The new-generation V8 engine, forexample, fitted in the BMW X5xDrive50i, now develops 10 per cent– or 30 kW – more power (330 kW)than its predecessor, and combines

this with a 16 per centreduction in averagefuel consumption. Theimprovement is downto BMW TwinPowerTurbo technology,which in addition totwin turbochargersand High Precision In-jection direct petrol in-jection, now also in-cludes Valvetronicvariable valve timing,resulting in improvedresponse and efficien-cy.Maximumtorqueofthis 4,4 F engine is now650 Newton metres (+50 Nm), which is deliv-ered between 2 000 and4 500 rpm. The new

BMWX5 xDrive50i completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5,0 seconds (– 0,5seconds), and returns average fuelconsumption of between 10,4 and10,5 F/100 km – that’s a 2,0 F/100 kmimprovement. CO2 emissions aredown 50 grams per km, at 242/244g/km(according to theEU test cycleand depending on tyre format).The new BMW X5 xDrive30d too,

with its six-cylinder in-line dieselengine, incorporates a range of de-tail improvements that offer aneven better balance than before be-tween performance and fuel con-sumption. The 3.0 F engine, whoseBMW TwinPower Turbo technolo-gy comprises VNT turbochargingand common rail direct injection,now develops maximum power of190 kW (+ 10 kW), and maximumtorque of 560 Nm (+ 20 Nm), whichis delivered between 1 500 and

3 000 rpm. The new BMW X5xDrive30d has a 0-100 km/h sprinttime of 6,9 seconds (– 0,7 seconds).Average fuel economyin theEUtestcycle has been improved by 16 percent – or 1,2 F per 100 kilometres –to 6.2 F/100 km,with CO2 emissionsof between 162 and 164 g/km (– 31 g/km), depending on the tyre format.The sporty temperament of the

latest diesel engines finds evenmorepotent expression in theBMWX5M50d.ThisMPerformanceAuto-mobile likewise gets a 3.0 F straight-six unit, in this case featuring MPerformance TwinPower Turbotechnology with three-stage turbo-charging. The three turbochargerswork in harmony tomaximise pow-eroutput.Fuel issuppliedviaacom-mon rail piezo injection system de-veloping maximum pressure of2 200 bar. This engine has a maxi-mumoutput of 280 kWand developsitspeaktorqueof740Newtonmetresbetween 2 000 and 3 000 rpm. The0–100 km/h time of the BMW X5M50d is 5,3 seconds (– 0,1 seconds),with average EU fuel consumptionof 6.7 F/100 km, an 11 per cent(0,8 F/100 km / 4,5 mpg imp) im-provement on the predecessormod-el. CO2 emissions stand at 177 g/km(–22 g/km).The BMW X5 line-up will expand

further in February 2014. The BMWX5 xDrive35i (225 kW) has averagefuel consumption of 8.5F per 100 kil-ometres and CO2 emissions of 199grams per kilometre, while theBMW X5 xDrive40d (230 kW) postsaverage fuel consumption of 6,4Fper 100 kilometres and CO2 emis-sions of 169 grams per kilometre.

The sporty temperament of the latest diesel engines findseven more potent expression in the BMW X5 M50d.

PHOTO: NETCARSHOW.COM

22 Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

Suzuki Swift 1.2&DZire: theupmarket twoHANJO STIER

Itmay comeasno surprise to youthat the entry-level segments ofour carmarket are themost pop-ular and developing.Almost halfof all new cars sold hover in thelower R100 000s and the fiercelycompetitive segment has just re-ceived two newcomers from –drum roll please – Suzuki.

As a major player in small carmarketsallover theworld, theJapa-nese manufacturer was under-standably keen to get its foot in thelower part of Mzanzi’s door. Theircheeky Alto (which we like) and re-fined Swift (ditto) left quite a sub-stantial gap between them, well, un-til now.

Instead of regurgitating an out-dated model with questionable techand dull interiors, Suzuki South Af-rica made a cheaper, less powerfulversion of their existing 1,4 F Swifthatchback.The1.2 F16-valveenginedevelops 63 kW or 113 Nm whileclaiming averages of 5,7F/100kmand 134g CO2/km.

Available inGAorGLtrim,stand-ard features include central lock-ing, air conditioning with pollen fil-ter, power steering, four speakers(no radio) and two airbags. Thehigher GL spec gives you powerwindows and mirrors, ABS, foglamps, colour coding, a rev counter,steering-mounted audio controls,USB port and remote access.

They didn’t stop there though, ohno, as the 1.2 F Swift hatchback isnowjoinedbyanotchback(small se-dan) with identical specifications.

All models are driven via a five-speed manual gearbox but the GLspec can also be ordered with a four-speed automatic transmission foran additional R15 000.

Automatic Swifts use an averageof 6,3 F/100 km and CO2 emissionsincrease to 149 g/km. Cargo capaci-ty for the hatchback remains at210 F, extendable to 533 F with therear seats folded. Swift DZire

(notchback) offers 300 F of bootspace and decent interior room forup to five adults.

Much like its competitors, DZireis built in India and comes with ahardy, two-tone beige and black in-terior. Its Indianoriginalsobestowseach car with raised ride height andhigh-profile tyres for extra safetyand comfort over less than perfectroads; something most South Afri-

cans will appreciate.Drawing on the Swift’s appealing

shape and design features, the inte-rior of both new cars has a decidedlyupmarket feel when compared to di-rect rivals. The beige fabric won’tbe to everyone’s taste but the cabinmaterials, layout and finishes areexcellent when considering thisprice class.

I drove both hatchback and notch-

back at the cars’ recent launch andfound them to offer eager, sufficientperformance at sea level. Overtak-ing and high-speed driving requirepatience but the new 1,.2 F Suzukisare great as a little town car; we wer-en’t going slowly and averaged be-tween 5,8 and 6,1 F/100km.

The turning radius is excellent,allpedalsarelightandeasytomodu-late, itsair-conworksflawlessly, theverylightsteeringevenhasadegreeof feel to it, road holding is impres-sive, all models weigh under1 000 kg, visibility is excellent andthe driving position is good too,even though it lacks height adjust-ment.

GL models feature a few shiny ac-cents (and some faux wood trim) intheir cabins and may even bespruced up with 15-inch alloys forjust R4 000. The CD/radio with auxand USB sockets can also read mp3files. A basic trip computer betweenthe main dials informs of range, av-erage consumption and such like.

Prices start at R126 900 for the 1.2GA hatch, the more luxurious GL isR136 900 and the GL automaticR151 900. Add R2 000 to each of thosepricesforSwiftDZirepricing.All1.2Swifts are sold with a 3-year/100 000km warranty, 2-year/30 000km service plan and 2-year roadside assistance.

Power outputs could benefit froma turbo but it would drive costs uptoo much in a segment where valuefor money is king. I believe the new1.2 F models from Suzuki providegreat value and their quality cabinsshould find many happy new own-ers. Galimoto Media

Available in GA or GL trim, standard features include central locking, air conditioning with pollen filter, powersteering, four speakers (no radio) and two airbags. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

021 841 4287 021 887 2840 021 870 4601 021 312 3717

23Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLD AUTO

Leapsandbounds: JaguarXKR-SGTQUICKPIC

Gauteng recently became home tooneof therarestcatsofall time:TheJaguar XKR-S GT. Just 50 of thesevery special felines have been builtand only 20 of them are right-hand-drive – one of which now resides atthe headquarters of Jaguar Centu-rion. The only one in SA.The car is a celebration of Jag-

uar’s 25-yearheritageofmakingex-traordinary, driver-centric per-formance machines – the R cars –and theGT represents the pinnacleof this. The XKR-S GT was devel-opedbyJaguar’sEngineeredToOr-der division and is the ultimateroad-going but track-ready versionof the XK coupe. The XKR-S GT isthe most extreme iteration of theJaguar R brand’s performance fo-cusandevolvedfromthesuccessfulXKR-S coupe.Forstarters, theXKR-SGTboasts

a very special cabin: The WarmCharcoal interior – with red ac-cents - features 16-way electricallyadjustable ‘Performance’ seats fin-ished in soft-grain leather and Sue-declothwith theJaguarandR-SGTscripts integrated into the back-rests. Jet Suedecloth headliningand a Jet Suedecloth steeringwheel, with aluminium paddleshifters, are fitted as standard.More importantly, the XKR-SGT

features bespoke aerodynamiccomponents and suspension devel-opments to increasedownforceandoptimisehigh-speedcorneringabil-ity. These aids include a carbon-fi-bre front splitter, extended

wheelarch spats, an elevated rearwing, rear diffuser and an alumini-um valance. With these, the XKR-SGT achieves maximum downforceof 145kg.Handlingandroadholdinggetad-

ditional prowess thanks to redevel-oped suspension, which includes awider front track (by 52 mm), in-creased camber, revised bushings,a new steering system and fastersteering ratio. The front and rearsuspension arms, uprights, wheelbearings, bushings and rear sub-frameareallnewanddrawonhard-ware developed for the F-TYPE.The overall set-up works to in-

crease lateral suspension stiffnessfor greater precision and respon-siveness. Bespoke adaptive damp-ers allow for the ride height to betailored to the conditionswhile therace-derived twinspringsystemin-creasesthespringrateby68%atthefront and 25%at the rear comparedto a XKR-S coupe.The carbon ceramic brake sys-

tem – a first for a production Jag-uar – features 398 mm and 380 mmdiscs front/rear, gripped respec-tivelyby six- and four-pistonmono-block calipers. The carbon ceramicsystem also results in a massive 21kg reduction in unsprung weight.Enhanced braking feel comes

courtesy of the electronic Pre-Fillsystem. Working in conjunctionwith the car’s DSC system, Pre-Fillpressurises the brakes every timethe driver comes off the throttlepedal, resulting in a very short andconsistent level of travel on thebrake pedal.

New, wider, 20-inch forged andlightweight alloy wheels are de-signed to optimise brake coolingand are shod with Pirelli Corsa255/35 front and 305/30 rear tyresto maximise grip.PowercomesfromJaguar’sprov-

en supercharged 5.0-litre V8 en-gine, theRoots-type twin vortex su-percharger fed by two intercoolers,

whichfeaturetheirownwater-cool-ing circuit to reduce the tempera-ture of the pressurised air therebyoptimising power and efficiency.The XKR-S GT features a fully ac-tive performance exhaust systemwith valves that open under load,both enhancing gas-flow and thecar’s aural character, while opti-mising power output.

Drive to the rear wheels is via asix-speed transmission and activeelectronic differential and thanksto405 kWand680 NmtheXKR-SGTreaches100km/hinabout4secondswith an electronically limited topspeed of 300km/h.The XKR-S GT is clearly a car

which is exhilarating on the road,but is as capable on the track...

More importantly, the XKR­S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to in­crease downforce and optimise high­speed cornering ability. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

24 Donderdag6 Maart, 2014

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

NewJeepBuzzModel:WranglerPolar EditionQUICKPIC

Chrysler SouthAfrica’s Jeepbrand is set tocontinueitslineoflimitededitionbuzzmod-elswith the introduction of the JeepWran-gler andWranglerUnlimitedPolarEditionmodels for the South African market.

Available in two- and four-door variants, thePolarEdition isbasedonthearchitectureof theJeepWrangler Saharamodels, a familiar sighton and off local roads.Featured on the exterior is an all-new front

grille treatment with gloss-black inserts, 18”aluminium wheels with painted pockets andpolished outer edges, body-coloured hardtopwith deep tinted glass, theMopar “Moab” bon-netwithmountainmotifandtheMoparfuel fill-er door.The rear of the model is finished off with a

newly-developed, hard spare-wheel cover.The Jeep Wrangler Polar Editions will be

available in three colours; Hydro Blue, BilletMetallic and Bright White.Interior appointments include heated black

leather seats with embroidered logos, leatherwrapped steering wheel with pearl accentstitching (also foundon the seats, armrests andfloor console lid) and high-gloss white paintedtreatments on steering wheel spokes, ventila-tion bezels, passenger grab handles and on theinstrument cluster dials. The interior is lookis completedwithMopar slushmats and the in-car entertainment is provided by the Uconnectnavigation radio as standard.The Polar Editions are available at dealer-

ships countrywide in the following two vari-ants: Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition 3.6 V6 AutoR482 990 incl. Vat and emissions tax.JeepWranglerUnlimitedPolarEdition3.6V6

Auto R522 990 incl. vat and emissions tax.All Jeep Wrangler models are sold with a

3-year / 100 000 kmwarranty andmaintenanceplan.

Available intwo­ and four­door variants,the Polar Editionis based on thearchitecture ofthe Jeep Wran­gler Saharamodels, a famil­iar sight on,and off local ro­ads.PHOTO: QUICKPIC