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BE WISE
annual motoring 2010
review car s I dr ive car s I buy car s
Motoring in 2010
Review: lotus Evora, Mercedes Benz E 500 Convertible
lexus ISf
Compiled by: Azim Omar CA(SA)
is a member of the SAGMJ.
I special reports I
annual motoring 2010
lotus Evora
images: grouplotus.net
T he latest from the Lotus stable is
the Evora, which remains true to the
traditional mid-engine rear-wheel drive sports
especially the heavy clutch. The rear window
is more for show as there is not much that
one can see through the rear view mirror
car. However, this vehicle has a trick up its except for the Lotus markings on the engine.
40 sleeve in that it is the first mid-engine rear- Thank goodness for park distance control.
wheel drive sports car that has rear seats.
Although they are more suited for kids, it On the outside, the vehicle is an absolute
does give the Lotus a lot more flexibility looker. The smooth curvy lines and low
and practicality than most other mid-engine roofline give the vehicle a very exclusive
sports cars. The boot is big enough for two look. The rear end is hugely taken up with
tog bags and that’s it. Keep in mind that the the rear spoiler and somewhat large rear
boot is situated next to the engine bay, so windscreen that shows off the engine.
expect “HOT” luggage. From the front, and no one will blame
you for mistaking the vehicle for a Ferrari,
Inside the vehicle comes standard with especially when the vehicle is red, as was
Recarro sports seats that are covered in my test vehicle. The one giveaway is the
leather. The sports steering wheel with a flat quietness of the engine, which is actually
bottom was just perfect both in touch and very welcoming.
feedback. The dashboard and door panels are
all covered in leather, while the centre panel This vehicle is quiet enough to plod around One thing that you have to get used to when
that houses the ventilation system has been town as long as you keep the rev’s below driving this car is the sheer attention that
given an aluminum top. 4,000 rpm. Once you pass that, the sound of you get no matter where you go. There are
the engine just behind your ear, makes your always bystanders pointing and staring at the
This is also the case for the area around the adrenaline rush through your body forcing car. This was obviously a blast.
steering wheel that houses the controls your foot down. This actually becomes an
for the lights, fuel opener, door locks, not addiction and all you want is more of that The one surprising feature of this car was
to mention the anti-skid and sport controls. great sound and fun acceleration. the fuel consumption, which for a sports
The front seats are very low and getting into car was very economical at an average of
the vehicle can be a bit tricky. This is due to On the road, you realise how low the vehicle 14l/100kms. And this included lots of lead
the rather high door sill which is almost as actually is, especially when you get close footing!
high as the bottom of the front seat. This to a Sandton 4x4, which looks more like
becomes easier as you master slipping into a double decker bus than a 4x4 from this Sports cars are not supposed to make sense,
the figure hugging seats, then you just have cockpit. The one area that Lotus has become they are just there as an extension of your
fun watching your passengers try to figure renowned for is its suspension and I can see personality or mid-life crisis, but this one is
out the best approach to enter the vehicle. why. No matter what you do, this vehicle different in that it is relatively practical and
The rear seats sit rather high which makes just sticks to the road, making one look for oh! So much fun. All that’s left for me to say
it impossible for any adult to sit in the rear tight bends just to try and push the car past is bring on the mid-life crisis! asa
without hitting the roof, even if you crouch. its limits, which always brings a smile to the
The driving position takes getting used to driver’s face. Car Courtesy of Lotus South Africa.
asa I november 2010
I special reports I
annual motoring 2010
Mercedes Benz
images: quickpic.co.za
E 500 Convertible
T he new “E” class has definitely changed
many people’s perception of a medium
sector saloon, and the convertible has
overshadowed the once loved CLK that it
replaces. 41
This all new convertible is candy to the eyes,
especially with the roof tucked away. The split
square lights have been stretched back giving
the front a more aggressive look than the The first button I wanted to use was the one passenger’s neck. This makes one feel warm
saloon, making it immediately identifiable. The to drop the roof, but it proved a bit tricky to no matter the weather. This was so much
strong angular lines that run along the wheel locate, as the obvious places to look were on fun as everyone was thinking that I was
arches add a muscular look to the sleek, the dashboard or centre consol, but no luck, absolutely crazy to be driving with the roof
smooth flowing body. that is, until I flipped open the front section of down whilst it was freezing outside, but I was
the armrest. warm and snug inside, thanks to all these
Mercedes have chosen to go with a soft fantastic inventions! Very impressive!
top as opposed to a hard top, which has Surpringly, the controls for the roof as well
somewhat become the norm. The fabric roof as the “aircap” and single button to control On the road the vehicle is very responsive
is surprisingly silent and one huge advantage all the windows were all located here, quite a and an absolute pleasure to drive. What made
over the hardtop is the amount of space it change from the usual. The “aircap” is a new driving even more pleasant was the fact that
takes in the boot. This allows Mercedes to invention by Mercedes that limits the amount the roof could be lowered or raised while
have a convertible with a very generous boot of air that comes into the vehicle while the
driving, but this is limited to 40km/h, so I
even when the roof is folded away. There is roof is folded. There is actually an airfoil that is
could open or close the roof between traffic
a rear glass window that actually pops out positioned at the top of the windscreen and
lights.
of the roof during folding, this is similar to at the touch of a button it lifts. This is not the
the mechanism used on the Mercedes “SL ” best looking gadget, but it does limit the air
Overall, I believe this Mercedes Benz is
vehicles. The inside of the roof has been given circulation in the vehicle. To assist further, the
rear headrests have a wind deflector between a winner with the V8 grant and the sleek
careful attention with its luxurious rooflining,
them, which can also be raised at the touch of sexy lines, making this vehicle one to get.
adding to the illusion of a hardtop.
the button. Whether you are driving the vehicle or just
Inside, there is the usual Mercedes layout, sitting at a coffee shop admiring it, you can’t
luxury, and feel, with many creature comforts The part that I enjoyed the most was driving help but smile. The vehicle does have some
as standard, especially on the E500. The the vehicle with the roof down even when shortcomings but, to be honest, these were
leather bound steering was very inviting with it was too cold, thanks to the “aircap” and so far outweighed by the positive that it’s not
its thick rim and thumb rests making it very ,
my favourite, the “airscarf” which made it a worth mentioning. So, if you are looking for
comfortable with a sporty edge. The cream very pleasant experience. The “airscarf” is a a medium-sized four seater convertible, this
and chocolate interior was well matched ventilation system that is built into the front one has to be on the top of your list. asa
to the Stanite grey exterior (brownish/olive seats of the vehicle. This allows for warm
colour that changed depending on the light). air to be blown around the driver’s and front Car Courtesy of Mercedes Benz South Africa.
asa I november 2010
I special reports I
annual motoring 2010
lexus IS-f
images: quickpic.co.za
42
L exus is renowned for luxury and comfort
and a tranquil driving experience. The
recently launched Lexus IS-F is almost all of
sport seats are comfy and very supportive
and include heating and cooling functions.
The one negative inside was the hard plastic
was always a roar from the engine that gave
me goose bumps.
this! separating the individual bucket seats in On the road the Lexus has good manners
the rear, as that makes the four door saloon and has excellent road holding, thanks to
From the outside, it is obvious that there is purely a four seater without the option of a a stiffened suspension, which can be felt
.
something different about this “IS” Upon possible fifth passenger no matter how small. especially on roads that need some attention.
closer inspection one notices the quad The anti-skid allows one to step out of line
tailpipes and rear spoiler that makes the rear Once you press the start button all this is just just enough to give one a wake up call
look aggressive. Upfront, there is a lower lip a distant memory as the 5.0 litre V8 comes before restoring calm. This makes for lots
and sideskirts all around giving the vehicle a alive with a grunt that just brings an instant of interesting driving for the trained driver.
lower stance. The front fenders have airvents smile to your face. Unlike some of its rivals, In fact Lexus would like all the owners of
that are not just aesthetic, but actually assist this grunt almost settles to a hum. This is the these vehicles to handle their cars with more
in keeping the brakes cool, which as you case until one passes the magic 3,700 rpm driving expertise. So they plan on launching
will realise is needed. The exterior look is mark. That’s when all hell breaks loose as the a driving academy specifically for these lucky
completed by charcoal mag-wheels that just vehicle comes alive with a loud roar and a owners.
give the lexus a very sporty look. very noticeable sudden increase in power.
This vehicle creates a new dimension for
Inside, the IS-F is all “IS” except for the The sudden surge almost always made my Lexus and I believe that they have pulled it
silver carbon fiber inserts as opposed to the passengers look for grip handles. The eight off very well. It does, however, have some
normal wood inlays. Personally, I found this speed, yes, 8 speed gearbox is silky smooth drawbacks like fuel consumption and pricing
too bling, but I guess they had to make the with quick changes and makes driving this to mention but two. I believe that this will
interior look the part. This is completed with vehicle a pleasure, no matter, whether it’s give the common so called “cult” vehicles a
a blue insert on the bottom of the steering a joy ride to the corner store or a quick run run for their money.
wheel with an “F” embossed in the middle. down the highway. To make things more fun,
One immediately notices the speedometer Lexus have added a paddle shift, which is The test vehicle was a black-ish charcoal that
which has a maximum indicated speed of sliver paddles on the steering wheel, giving made me realise that “BLACK” is definitely
300 KM/H. The one item that is standard on one the sense of driving a formula one car. the new black. asa
this “IS” that is optional on all the others is I actually enjoyed driving the vehicle using
the “moonroof” as it’s known by Lexus. The these paddle as when I geared down there Car Courtesy of Lexus South Africa.
asa I november 2010
I special reports I
annual motoring 2010
Kawasaki
KLR650
image: kawasakisa.co.za
Francois Steyn CA(SA) is a Lecturer
in the Department of Accounting at
the University of Stellenbosch.
M ost motorbikes, like cars, get a facelift
somewhere in their lifetime and every
couple of years are replaced by a completely
relatively frugal fuel consumption of around
20 km/l offers a usable range of close to
450 km and it hasn’t got any electronics
and 17 inch, front and rear, but the spokes
are now 4 mm instead of 3.5 mm for more
rigidity.
new model, but the KLR650 is as immune that can leave you stranded in the middle of
to evolution as the crocodile. Not much has nowhere. It’s also fitted with a large rack at I’ve ridden this new model quite a few
changed since it was first launched in 1989, the rear to carry your luggage. times now and I own an old one, and
21 years ago, until 2008 that is. every time I get back onto it after riding
On paper the power and torque figures something more advanced, I feel like an
43
The original KLR650 is a very basic bike with of 33 kW and 50 Nm respectively don’t honest biker again. On the KLR there are
its farm implement look. It hasn’t changed sound like much, but the dry weight of only no pretenses. It’s just practical, reliable and
much in its first 19 years, with the only 175 kg makes it feel alive when pushed fun. There are lots of bikes out there that
updates being a new colour scheme every hard, even two-up. It will cruise just above are faster, more comfortable and much
couple of years. The greatest appeal, and the national speed limit in fifth with ease more stylish. The KLR doesn’t have ABS,
the main reason for its enormous following and still have enough power to spare and it probably never will. The nose still
around the globe, is its low price, simple should you need to overtake. The brakes, dives under braking, the engine vibrates
design and big 23 litre fuel tank. a weakness of the dated outgoing model, and the throttle response is slow. But for
are single petal style discs front and rear this kind of money, you’ll be hard pressed
In 2008 however, Kawasaki launched the with twin pot calipers grabbing the bigger to find a more capable, and fun, dual
very first real upgraded KLR. The same 280mm front disc. The suspension is purpose bike. In the end, you’ll still be
651cc engine and large capacity fuel tank another noticeable improvement. It now able to travel anywhere the bigger, more
were used and it is still a very capable offers less wheel travel, 200mm at the expensive bikes will go, although you might
dual purpose machine. It has retained front and 185mm at the rear, but there arrive at the destination a couple of days
the carburettor when most new bikes, is less sagging when laden. This means after them. But then there will be sandy or
and cars in fact, are fuel injected. It also on-road handling is much tauter than the rocky sections where they’ll have to turn
looks completely different from the old old KLR, without compromising to off- around and you’ll just keep going.
model with big plastic fairings around the road performance. Also to aid this, is the
tank and new instrument cluster, but the progressively wound rear coil spring. The current list price is R59 995 and service
changes are not just cosmetic. The most intervals are every 6 000 km. Because
important shortfalls on the old model were Looking at the new bike, the more obvious the KLR has been around so long, there
addressed. It’s now got better brakes and changes are the bigger plastic fairings and is a plethora of aftermarket accessories
better suspension. On the comfort side redesigned cockpit. It makes the bike look available from other companies improving
it’s got a better cushioned seat and more bigger and less utilitarian than before but, on the basic components. There are also
wind protection from the larger fairings and in the inevitable fall when off the beaten literally thousands of websites with useful
taller windscreen. More than 40 other small track, it is going to cost you to replace tips from owners from all around the world.
improvements were made. it. I would opt for aftermarket crash bars Since the major upgrade in 2008, Kawasaki
and a sturdier sump guard. The radiator is has once renewed the colour scheme.
The KLR650 is by far the cheapest in its bigger for 20% better cooling and some of This then, is probably what the KLR’s basic
class, and can thus not really be fairly the more subtle changes include push- .
shape will look like until the year 2027 I
compared to its rivals. That said, it is to-cancel indicator switches and a bigger must concede it will not be for everyone,
probably the best option if you decide to buy foot plate under the side stand to prevent but it’s worth checking out before you take
a bike and leave on a weeklong trip into the it from toppling over, say, in soft sand. The out a second mortgage on your home to
unknown the very next day. Its big tank and wheel dimensions remain the same at 21 buy a more expensive two-wheeler. asa
asa I november 2010
CITROËN C5
FROM R299 900*
Features listed vary depending on C5 model. Visuals for illustration purposes only. E&OE. *Special launch price includes VAT and CO2 tax. Price subject to change without prior notice and valid at the time of
going to print. CITROën South Africa is now fully backed by the manufacturer and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of CITROën France.
DO YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR CAR, OR LET IT SPEAK FOR ITSELF?
You can talk for hours on end about the CITROën C5's features, from the electrically adjustable leather seats with massage function, Bluetooth hands-free kit (with music
streaming), automatic windscreen wipers, front and rear parking sensors, to the tyre pressure sensor and cruise control with speed limiter. not forgetting the Hydractive III+ suspension
that lets you switch between comfort and sport mode, and includes height sensors that maintain the vehicle at a constant height, regardless of the number of passengers. But you’ll
soon realise it’s best if you let the combined package speak for itself in one clear voice.
Entire C5 range is available in both petrol and diesel.
To book a test drive SMS ‘CITROEN’ to 31155.
www.citroen.co.za
EURO RSCG 4700/E
How�one�box�can�
change�a�life
This year we ran a workshop, which made space for our Hope Factory learners and graduates to create
their own special hope boxes that showed their visions for their futures. These personal boxes have given
us a working roadmap of what people dream of and helped us to know what people aim for, so that we can
do what we do well – making people’s dreams come true. This workshop, along with our unique methodology
and processes, ensures that we live up to our vision – to change people’s lives for the better.
Invest in The Hope Factory vision and earn Enterprise Development Points
Visit www.thehopefactory.co.za
For more details, contact: +27 11 621 6643
Dzokai Mavengawenyu dzokaim@saica.co.za
I travel SA I
To stay or not to stay!
Shelley Point
Review rating:
47
don’t bother going
go only if absolutely everything in the vicinity is fully booked
Hotel, Spa and Country Club enjoyable
Where? St Helena Bay, Cape West Coast. will refer and return
Star Rating? 4-star my company’s headquarters should relocate here!
My Rating challenging golf course. And it also boasts beachside, the pool areas, gym, cozy lounges
Food: Delicious, but disappointed with an amazing sensory spa that promises to de- and restaurants, will certainly keep you busy.
the lack of choice stress the mind, body and soul. There’s also a youth centre and kiddies play
Room: Luxurious, clean, well maintained area that should entertain the kids while you’re
and with an excellent turn-down And, despite the sometimes rocky (pot-holed playing a round of golf or getting de-stressed
service west coast roads) drive up to the bay, the drive in the spa.
Facilities: A golfers dream with a star Spa surprisingly brings about a natural calm and
Service: The staff are friendly and efficient peace that will be matched by the friendliest If you’re keen to explore the area, St Helena
Overall: and most helpful hotel staff you’re likely to Bay holds many magical spots. “Discovered”
encounter. Right from the porters who meet by the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama on
I t may not be situated right on the beach
front, it may not serve the best cuisine, and
it may not even have the best views from the
you at your car, to the reception and room
staffers. Everyone seems so eager to make
sure that your stay is as hassle free as can be.
7 Nov. 1497, during his pioneer voyage from
Europe to India, St Helena Bay is one of the
world’s principal fishing centres and a popular
lower level rooms, but the Shelly Point Hotel, The rooms are all incredibly well maintained bay for whales to visit and calve. From August
Spa and Country Club has everything else! It and serviced, spacious, well equipped, great to November, the Southern Right Whales
represents the typical luxurious outdoor living decor, and have exceptionally modern and come in to the bay to calve, and can be viewed
and friendly and efficient service for which spacious en-suite bathrooms. So despite from the shore all around the bay. St Helena
the Cape is renowned. The chief appeal of the being able to hear your immediate neighbours Bay is also situated in such a way that it is the
West Coast of course remains its laid-back come and go, the general luxury of the rooms only place on the West Coast where you can
lifestyle and relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, and his and her en-suites with a shower big watch the sun rise over the sea. Every sunrise
as well as its stunning natural beauty with enough for two, will quickly drown out the is different: from warm, red African sunrises
magnificent sea views and long sandy unwanted sounds. to breathtaking, cooler scenes that could be
beaches. Shelley Point Hotel, Spa and Country somewhere in Scandinavia. asa
Club is set on a private peninsula fringed The hotel’s golf course, slow 5-minute walk
by three ecological bays, built alongside a through the housing development to the Shelley Point – www.shelleypointhotel.co.za
asa I november 2010
