boland sold

21 AUGUSTUS

FIBRENETWORK:THE SPEEDOFACHEETAH!

Highspeed Internet connection forP’vleiA fully scaleable open access fi-bre network officially launchesat Paardevlei, Somerset West on1September,withthefirstclientsalready utilising this state of theart connectivity system.

Paardevlei, a mixed developmentof business, industrial and residen-tial developments, managed byPaardevlei Properties (previouslyknown as Heartland Properties) onbehalf of AECI, spans some 730 hec-tares between Somerset Mall, Som-erset West, Strand and False Bay.Regional manager Mark Bezen-

con, notes that just under two mil-lion square metres of bulk is desig-nated for development at Paarde-

vlei. Apart from numerouscommercial and industrial entitiesalready operating on site, two stateof the art medical facilities are ear-marked for completion by year’send. For this already commerciallyestablished area, the addition of thefibre network adds immense valueintermsof infrastructure.“Randforrand fibre networks offer the mostefficient, affordable and reliableconnectivity technology availablein South Africa, and are a must forany future driven business,” saidBezencon.Paardevlei has entered into an

agreement with Frogfoot Technolo-gies to operate the network. Accord-ing to Frogfoot project manager,

Hannes Pieterse, the network hasbeen designed to carry future de-mand for a completely developedmixed-use node. He said fibre net-worksarealso themosthighlyavail-able. “Chances of going offline aretherefore very close to zero.”The network has two routes back

to Cape Town where it physicallyterminates at the Teraco Data Cen-tre, the largest vendor-neutral datacentre in the country. This providesanumber of advantages for consum-ers. Firstly, explains Pieterse, it en-sures a very quick turnaround forthosewishingtoconnect.“Userscanbe connected to the system withinless than a month of signing con-tracts.” In addition, the fibre net-

work’s circular route “creates geo-graphical diversity, meaning therewill always be two routes for con-necting to the grid, ensuring con-stant connectivity.” Connection tothe data centre is also a great advan-tage forbusinesseswithbranches inJohannesburg or Durban, sincethey can all link up directly via thehighly reliable fibre network. Be-cause the network is open access,companies and private userswill al-so not be tied into using one serviceprovider exclusively, leaving themfreedom to negotiate.Fibre is the fastest and most effi-

cient connectivity technology cur-rently available. States Pieterse,“comparing 3G mobile technology,

orWiFi orADSL technologies to thelightning fast speeds provided by fi-bre networks is rather like compar-ing a cheetah’s speed with that of atortoise. Now Paardevlei boastssomething much faster even thanthe cats at the Cheetah OutreachTrust!”The fibre network offers users

quadruple play services, which in-clude seamless Internet speeds, ex-tremelyhighqualityvoicecalls, realtime video and other low latencyservices such as gaming and onlinetrading. “It’s amust-have for any fu-ture-minded business, while simul-taneously offering private residentswithfantastic,highspeedandhasslefree connectivity,” states Bezencon.

Paardevlei will launch its fibre network for high speed internet in September.

2 Districtmail21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

3Districtmail21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

021 841 4285 021 887 2840 021 870 4600

SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe hoë-impak keuse vir die bemarking van eiendom in die Boland

Biggest and Best Property Guide in the Boland



Citywelcomes small-scaleelectricitygenerationThe City of Cape Town has set it-self a target to source 10% of itselectricity fromrenewable ener-gyresourcesby2020andtheroll-out of the small-scale embeddedgeneration tariff supports thisgoal.

“Simply put, those residents andbusinesses that generate their ownelectricity through alternative re-newableenergyresourceswill soonhave the option of feeding a limitedamount of surplus generation backinto the grid, for which there willbe an off-set against their electrici-ty accounts,” said the City’s Execu-tive Mayor, Patricia de Lille.

In a pilot project, a small numberof residential, industrial and com-mercial consumers have alreadyconnected rooftop photovolta-ic (PV)generationto theCity’selec-tricity grid.However, conventionalmetering

installations do not allow for a two-way flowof electricity and theCity,for over a year now, has been insearch of a solution that will allowconsumers to feed power back intothe grid and to receive an off-set fordoing so.This has been a complex process

as numerous factors have had to beaddressed, including: theestablish-ment of suitable tariffs; identifica-

tion of suitable metering systemswhich can measure power flow intwo directions; and the implemen-tation of automated billing systemswhich take into account both thepurchase and sale of electricity.The implementation of the small-

scale embedded generation (SSEG)tariffs will make it legally possibleto feed electrical power back intothe municipal grid.Consumers who wish to feed

SSEG electricity into the munici-pal electricity grid will be requiredto have a bidirectional advancedmeter infrastructure (AMI) creditmeter installed by the City at theirown cost and take their electricity

supply at the appropriateSSEGtar-iff.“Most SSEG projects generate

electricity from renewable sourceslike the sun andwind. SouthAfricais blessed with sunshine and theCity isembracingSSEGtechnologyto assist with the country’s acutepower supply. By doing so, we areassisting businesses and house-holds to minimise their own elec-tricity consumption fromthegrid,”De Lille said.Consumers who generate their

own electricity are not always abletoconsumeallof thegeneratedelec-tricity immediatelyandwillnowbeable to receive anoff-set against the

cost of their electricity purchasesfor excess electricity fed back intothe municipal grid.One of the major advantages to

consumers is that they can gener-ate electricity for their own usewithout having to invest in expen-sive batteries to provide electricityafter the sun has set or after thewind has stopped blowing.Prior to the publication of the

guidelines, interested parties areencouraged to contact the City forfurther information.Please send an email to

[email protected] or [email protected]



Securing your property increases itsvalue and desirabilityWe all want to live in a safe en-vironment. The safety of ourfamily and our possessions isof paramount importance toevery property owner. The re-cent increase in crimes relat-ing to housebreaking and hi-jacking in theHelderberg areais of concern to all residents.When communities stand to-

gether against crime they senda strong message to the perpe-trators.Increased vigilance and

speedy reporting of suspicioussituations assist Neighbour-hoodWatches and the police toact swiftly.Buyers are aware that crime

will always be a concern. It’sno surprise that, over the lasttwo decades, the number ofgated estates has increaseddramatically.Initially buyers may have

resisted the “secure estate”lifestyle, stating additionallevies and a reluctance to con-form to additional rules andregulations as a deterrent.Yet, when you come toweigh

up the pros and cons it wouldseem that the benefits of addedsecurity are winning the bat-tle.This doesn’tmean that prop-

erties outside of estate are notin demand.Butwhat it doesmean is that

these buyers are keenly inter-ested to know what security

measures are in place shoulda listing not be located in a gat-ed village.It is advisable to get an opin-

ion and a quotation frommorethan one Security Company.Weigh up your options and en-sure your property has thebest security you can afford.Other simple measures that

can be taken are to ensure youtrim back trees and shrubsthat overhang your boundarywalls. Ensure that dark areasare well lit.Do your gates close and lock

properly? Do all your doorsand windows lock securely?

From time to time carry outan inspection on your proper-ty to make sure that all youralarm sensors are in goodworking order, and coveringthe areas they are intendedfor.It’s also a good habit to

change your alarm codes fromtime to time in case they havebeen compromised. The sameapplies to passwords that youhave with your alarm moni-toring service.Do you have a backup ar-

rangement with your neigh-bours if anything goes wrong?It’s not a bad idea for you andyour neighbours to meet anddiscuss what you would do incertain situations. There isstrength in numbers, and hav-ing an emergency plan maycome in handy one day whenyou least expect it.Give the issue of security

some forethought and ensureyouhave done the best you canto secure your property andyour loved ones. If and whenyou decide to list your proper-ty for sale, a discerning buyerwill take note of the level of se-curity your property offers.This will add to the value of

your property and increase itsdesirability. But most impor-tantly of all, you will have thepeace of mind of knowing youhave done your very best toprotect the ones you love.

Talking Property, by SteveCaradoc-Davies, principal ofHarcourts Platinum

‘Flipping’ easier inresidentialmarketThere are many people, or inves-tors, in the property market whostrive to make money by flippinga property, or buying and sellingproperties within a short space oftime. This can be very rewarding,but it comes with a high level ofrisk, especially in the office prop-erty market.

This is according to Org Gelden-huys, MD of property developmentand management company, AbacusDivisions. “Lots of people buyproper-ty in the hope that it will increase,enabling them to flip the property byselling it in the short term, and, inso doing, make a healthy profit. Butthis is speculation, which can obvi-ously be risky.”Buying and then quickly selling a

property at a higher price is only via-ble if you are astute enough to buythe property at a price that is belowthe market value, or if the market isbuoyant and prices are in an upwardspiral.Timing is often the key issue – and

this can determine whether there issufficient demand for the propertyfrom buyers.It is also easier to follow this meth-

odology in the residential propertythan in the commercial property sec-tor. One of the reasons for this is thecost of entry.In the residential market a buyer

could get awaywith spending as littleas R1 million. But the ticket pricesand the point of entry are far higherin the commercial sector.“If youwant to speculate in the com-

mercial property market you wouldarguably be looking at several mil-lion rands, and not just one or two.The buyer would then have to comeup with a 30% deposit and find a ten-ant, or tenants, who receive thebank’s approval. If the bank thinksthat the tenant is not in a solid finan-cial position themselves, the bondcould be declined. This makes specu-lation a lot tougher in the commercialproperty space,” says Geldenhuys.But investors can also adopt a spec-

ulative approach if they build fortheir own purposes to occupy thebuilding as an owner/occupier. Bydoing this, the investor also leavesthe door open for selling at a laterstage, either in the short term, or inthe medium to long term.“A person’s asset base can be im-

proved if they buy, or buy and build,in the right place – like a secure officepark. It is likely that the value of theproperty would increase more in asought-after office park, meaning thebuyer could make a profit, whetherhe is an owner/occupier or someonewho builds to rent.“In either scenario the property

could possibly be sold after a short pe-riod of time – in other words, flipped–, potentially realising a handsomeprofit for the owner.Geldenhuys concludes: “Naturally,

if the investor has a pile of cash inhis pocket, speculation is a lot easier.However, it is still possible to burncash reserves if the wrong decisionsare taken, if building maintenance isignored, a tenant is lost, or if themar-ket simply turns.”



Sitari Country EstatesalesnowopenSitari Country Estate, set to becomea trail-blazing R4 billion new suburbin theHelderbergbasin,wasofficiallylaunched at an event held at Waterk-loof Estate on 31 July.

Master of Ceremonies, popular radiopersonality Ryan O’Connor of Kfm 94.5,told an array of invited guests from thefinancial, architectural and property-re-lated industry what was on offer and whatwill be included in this unprecedentedlifestyle offering.

Uvest Property Group are the propertydevelopers of Sitari Country Estate, andthe launch sees the first phase of salesopening. “First phase sales officiallystarted on 1 August, and since then wehave been selling at an average rate oftwo to three properties per day. Our on-site sales centre officially opened on 16August, where clients will be able to viewour large-scale estate model and engagewith our sales professionals, said JohnCoet-zee, one of the executive directorsof Uvest.

There are three types of products on of-fer at Sitari Country Estate, the countryplots, village homes and luxury apart-ments.

The country plots are the quintessen-tial option for larger families, and offerthe freedom to choose your own architectand builder from an accredited panel.They are competitively priced fromR530 000 to R987 000.

The Grand Olive luxury apartment

complex will consist of 69 units, whichrange from large studios of 53 m² to twobedroom, two bathroom apartments of83 m² and three bedroom, two bathroomunitsof122 m².Allapartments feature topof the range fittings and finishes selectedby Uvest’s interior design firm. These in-clude porcelain-tiled kitchen, dining andlounge areas and carpeted bedrooms; ov-en, hob and extractors by German appli-ance specialist Miele; grand bathroomswith walk-in showers, wall-hung toiletswith Geberit systems; and taps by Grohe.

Details released at the launch includethe fact that it will include an inspiringmain gatehouse and office; an unparal-leled 24/7 security solution; country club-house with restaurant, kids’ play zone,pool and day spa, revolutionary Crossfit-TRF gym, a 22 hectare wetland with tim-ber decks and bird hides, various playparks as well as a central park spine withwindmill, gardens and water features, a14 km cycle and running route, a CurroCastle (crèche) and Curro School (juniorand high) catering for over 2 000 childrenfrom three months to high school; as wellas a shopping centre, retirement villageand medical centre.

Power Construction has already com-menced with civil works and the first reg-istrations are expected in mid-2015.

The development construction is set toroll out over the next seven years, andonce complete there will be a total of 3 150residential units with the coveted ad-dress of Sitari Country Estate.

John Coetzee (left), one of the executive directors of Uvest, developers of Sitari Coun-try Estate, chats with guests next to a large-scale model of this new suburb, at the re-cent launch event at Waterkloof Estate.

Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland

SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe, hoë-impak

keuse vir die bemarking van eiendom in die Boland

Paarl Post – 021 870 4600District Mail – 021 841 4266 Eikestadnuus – 021 887 2840



021 841 4285 021 887 2840 021 870 4600

SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe,

hoë-impak keuse vir die bemarking

van eiendom in die BolandBiggest and Best Property guide in the Boland

15Paarl Post21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON

Live fornow,butplan for tomorrowWhile taking the step fromrenting to buying is very ex-citing, it is a major financialcommitment that should notbe entered into without theproper consideration, saysAdrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. Henotes that there are anumber of essential aspectsthat should be carefullymeasured beforehand to en-surethatthebuyerismakingthe right decision and is pur-chasing a property thatmeets their needs both nowand in the future.

“Buying a home is not a deci-sion that will only affect thebuyer’s financial well-beingnow - it will have ramificationsin the future as well. That iswhy it is so important for abuy-er to make an informed deci-sion based on their life plansand what their criteria are atthe moment and how theirplans and needs could changeover the next five to ten years,”saysGoslett. “Making a rusheddecision and purchasing ahome that will not fit into yourfuture plans could end up cost-inga lotmoremoney in the longrun.Property shouldbeviewedas a long-term investment and,as such, decisions regardingproperty should be made withfuturegoalsandplansinsight.”He notes that before a buyer

goes out looking for a property,they need to sit down and de-

cide what features they cur-rently need in a home andwhatfeatures they may need in thefuture. Some things to considerwould be the number of bed-roomsandbathrooms, theneedfor a garden or the number ortypeofparking facilities.Theremay also be special criteriasuch as energy-efficient fea-tures, a swimming pool andfireplace or wheel-chair acces-sibility.Goslett says that no matter

what type of housing a buyerchooses, theymust have a clearideaof theirneeds todayaswellas their possible futureneeds.According to Goslett

every buyer will havetheir own unique re-quirements based ontheir life stage and whatthey have planned for thefuture. For example, forbuyers planning to havechildren, proximity togood schools could be apriority, while older buyersfacing retirement might wantsomething further away fromthe hustle and bustle.Goslett says that when look-

ing to purchase a home that fitsin with future plans there maybe certain financial restric-tions due to the buyer’s level ofaffordability, so there could beaspects that the buyer mightneed to compromise on. “If thebuyers are a young couplewithfuture plans of having a family,

theymaywanta threebedroomhome to have the space theywould need to grow. However,if theirbudgetonlyallowsthemto purchase a two bedroomhome, they could try and finda property with the space tobuildonandadd theextraroomat a later stage.While the homemay not currently meet all therequirements immediately, itis important to findahome thatcan growand changewith yourneeds,” explains Goslett.He notes that regardless of

the type of home the buyer de-cides on purchasing, sustaina-

bility is a key issue to home-ownership. “Buyers need to en-sure that they can afford andsustain the necessary financialobligation before making thecommitment. To precisely as-sess this, a buyer can use theresources available to themsuch as financial advisers,banks and bond originationcompanies. This will give thebuyerestimatedrepayment fig-ures based on bond require-ments,” says Goslett.

It is important to rememberthat it is not just the bond re-payments that should be takeninto consideration as there areother costs involved in a prop-erty transaction and home-ownership.These costs canaddup to a relatively large amountand it is essential to includethese when assessing afforda-bility.According to Goslett, anoth-

er essential aspect to consideris location. A property that haseverything the buyer needs butis situated in the wrong loca-tion is probably not going to be

the right property tobuy.“Location is a key in-

fluencer when it comesto a home’s future in-vestment potential. It isfar better to compro-mise on the features ofthe home than onwhereit is located,” advisesGoslett.He notes that when

looking at an area, buyersshould consider the general up-keep along with proximity toamenitiessuchasschools,med-ical facilitiesandshoppingcen-tres.Goslett concludes by saying

that buyers who purchase aproperty in the right locationthat meet both their short andlong-term needs will be able toenjoy the benefits of an accom-modating home that grows invalue over time.

‘‘Buyers need to ensure that theycan afford and sustain thenecessary financial obligationbefore making the commitment.

16 Paarl Post21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLDPAARL/WELLINGTON

Demandgrows forhomesatPearlValleyGolf EstateThe Pearl Valley Golf Estate enjoys an en-viable location and lifestyle, a combina-tion that is increasingly drawing upperincome buyers according to Seeff’s agentfor the estate, Elza Oberholzer.

Located about midway between Fran-schhoekandPaarl, the212 haaward-winningestate is framedby the toweringDrakensteinand Simonsberg mountains and boasts spec-tacular views, top class security and out-standing facilities including a JackNicklausSignature Golf Course.The estate comprises about 500 residential

properties with a mix of freehold homes and66 sectional title apartments. About 200 va-cant plots are also still on offer. The freehold

properties around thegolf courseareonplotsof 1 000 m² to 3 000 m² while plot sizes aroundthe lake area range from450 m² to 650 m². Theapartments, knownasResort Lodges are alsoin the lake area and have between two andfour bedrooms.The estate’s lifestyle offering is enhanced

by facilities that include a stunning club-house with a golf shop, restaurant and bar,lounge and conference facilities. Then, thereisalsoa spaandgymnasium, swimmingpool,tennis courts, cricket nets, boule courts andequestrian facilities.The children’s play areas and hiking, run-

ning and cycling trails add to the superb life-style on offer.In terms of the performance of the estate,

about 140 sales to the value of just underR500 million have been recorded here overthe last five years. Activity has also strength-ened year-on-year. Last year for example,about 33 properties sold, about 80% morethan the 18 sales of 2009, Oberholzer says.With an average price of around R5,6 mil-

lion and a highest price achieved of just overR15 million, the estate ranks amongst the topgolf estates in the country.Current rental rates are excellent and

range from about R11 900 at the bottom endto R30 000 per month for a top-end home.Holiday demand is also strong and the

agent says that fully furnished homes cur-

rently on offer for rent are already fullybooked until the end of March 2015.Prices for the apartments start at around

R2,5 million for two bedrooms and range toaround R3,3 million for four bedrooms.Mid-sized houses sell for upwards of

R4,2 million for three bedrooms to just underR7 million for a luxurious four bedroomedhome with loads of extras.Top end homes though can range up to

R22,5 million, says Oberholzer.Vacant plots around the lake area sell for

upwards of R950 000 while the larger plotsaround the golf course cost upwards of aboutR1,9 million.

The beautiful Lake Homes at Pearl Valley.

17Eikestadnuus21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLD STELLENBOSCH

18 Eikestadnuus21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLDSTELLENBOSCH

19Eikestadnuus21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLD STELLENBOSCH

TougherRangerunveiled forSecondOdysseyChallengeQUICKPIC

To coincidewith the 2014RangerOdyssey off-road challenge, FordMotor Company of Southern Af-rica (FMCSA) has unveiled anew, limited edition version ofthe locally-built Ranger thatwillbe available from mid-Augustuntil the end of September 2014.

The inaugural Ranger Odysseychallenge in 2013 saw ten finalistssetting up camp and driving in someof Africa’s most gruelling environ-ments. Contestants embarked on anaction-packed cross-continent ad-venture, with only the toughest pro-gressing to the final rounds.

“We set out to find the hardiestcontestants to take on Africa’s mostdemanding conditions,” says Gavin

Golightly, marketing manager atFMCSA.

“We wanted a personality thatwas as tough as the Ranger itself.”

In September, this year’s RangerOdyssey competitors will get to ex-perience the most testing terrainthat Namibia has to offer over 12days,13stages,and2 500kilometres.

One team of two people will eachwin the opportunity to drive an Od-yssey Ranger vehicle for a year,along with a R5 000/month fuel al-lowance.

To offer Ranger fans the opportu-nityofhavingtheirown“odysseys”,Ford has built the limited-editionOdyssey Ranger. This double-cab,off-road-readyversionofFord’spop-ular bakkie will be fitted, as stand-ard, with an accessory pack that in-cludesasnorkel, allowingdrivers to

cross deeper bodies of water withoutendangering the engine, as well as asteel bullbar to protect the front end ofthe vehicle, and a diff guard to protectits running gear.

“This year the general public will geta chance to drive their own OdysseyRanger,” says Golightly.

“We’ve taken the toughest Ranger onoffer – the XL-Plus, built to withstandpunishing mining environments – andgiven it a Bushveld makeover.”

Other extras fitted to the OdysseyRanger also include a rubberised loadbox to deal with the most gruelling de-mands, and black 17-inch alloy wheelsthat complement the vehicle’s toughappearance.

The Odyssey Ranger is based on themine-hardened XL-Plus model, recent-ly unveiled by FMCSA at the Go Fur-ther event in Johannesburg.

In addition to the off-road ac-cessoriesbuyerswillalsobenefitfrom the uprated componentsand heavy-duty design imple-mented in the XL-Plus.

Improvements here include acorrosion-treated, upratedframe that allows for a 3 6500 kgtowing capacity; front-driveshaft jointsdesignedtocopewithextreme mud environments; andstone protection for the rear sus-pension.

Power is provided by the 2.2-litre Duratorq engine built at theStruandale Engine Plant in PortElizabeth. It produces 110 kW at3 700 rpm, and 375 Nm between1 500 and 2 500rpm. Mated to asix-speed manual transmission,

a locking rear differential, as wellas a transfer case offering high- andlow-range four-wheel drive, thislimited edition Ranger will be abletoconquerthetoughroadsthatcom-petitors will encounter in the Odys-sey competition.

Pricing for the double-cab model,including the Odyssey accessorypack, isrecommendedatR415750in-cluding VAT.

All Ranger derivatives come witha comprehensive 4-year / 120 000 kmwarranty and a 5-year / 90 000 kmsservice plan with service intervalsof 15 000 km.

Customers will also benefit from3-years of roadside assistance and a5-year corrosion warranty as part ofthe Ford Ranger package.

Improvements here include a corrosion-treated, uprated frame that allows for a 3 500 kg towing capacity; front-drive shaft joints designed to cope with extreme mud environments; and stone protection for the rear suspension.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

21Donderdag21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLD AUTO

22 Donderdag21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

Kia reveals first official photosof SorentoQUICKPIC

First photos of the all-new KiaSorentoreleased todayshowthatthe third generation of the popu-larSUVfeaturesanewlook,withbold, swept-back styling and so-phisticated surface detailing.

Longer, lower and wider, with anextendedwheelbase, thenewSoren-to builds on the success of the outgo-ing model, delivering a premiumlook and feel, with more space andnumerous innovative features.With the brand’s hallmarkdesign

features and amoremature appear-ance, thenewmodel is instantly rec-ognisable as a Sorento. The newlook is an evolution of the currentvehicle, incorporating fresh visualelements inspired by the Kia CrossGT concept that debuted at the 2013Chicago Auto Show, carrying overthe long bonnet and the distinctivetreatment of thewideD-pillars fromthe previous generation.The exterior styling of the new

Sorento was led by Kia’s Namyangdesign studio inKorea,with signifi-cant levels of input from thebrand’sFrankfurt, Germany and Irvine,

California design studios.The front of the new Sorento fea-

tures a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’grille,witha three-dimension-aldiamondpattern,andlong,swept-back headlamps. The lowerroofline,higherbeltlineand muscu-lar, rounded shoulders at the reargive the car a dramatic appearance.The sleeker look is enhanced by

an increase in length (+95 mm to4 780 mm)* and a 15 mm reductionin height (down to 1 685 mm), whilethe 80 mm longer wheelbase (now2 780 mm) ensures more passengerspace in all three seat rows.

Soon-Nam Lee, vice-president ofoverseas marketing, Kia MotorsCorp, said, “Whilewehave retainedthe name based on the tremendoussuccess of the outgoing model, theall-new Sorento has been complete-ly redesigned and re-engineered,and promises to surprise customerswith its thoroughlyupdatedstyling,a host of new convenience and safe-ty technologies, aswell as enhancedspace, driving comfort and han-dling response.” The all-new KiaSorentowillmake itsEuropeanpre-miereonThursday,2October,at the2014 Paris Motor Show.

The exterior styling of the newSorento was led by Kia’s Namyangdesign studio in Korea, with signifi-cant levels of input from thebrand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Ir-vine, California design studios.PHOTO: QUICKPIC

23Donderdag21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLD AUTO

BMW420iCoupe: theprettier twinHANJO STIER

BMW recently announced twonewranges, the2-Seriesand4-Se-ries.These followinthe footstepsof other even-numbered modelsto designate coupé and cabrioletvehicles. With the bizarre excep-tion of gran coupés, this makes alot of sense and we keenly wel-comed a 420i to our test fleet.

The 4-Series is essentially a two-door 3-Series, much like any new 2-Series is basedon the 1-Series. Shar-ing everything fromplatforms to in-terior components, youwouldn’t bewrong to view a 420i as the 320i’sprettier twin. Something for child-lesspurveyorsof finedesignandele-gant touring.It’s not exactly good value when

BMW charges you about R67 500 toremove the two rear doors but theresulting shape is just so graceful.Slightly longer, a bit lower with abeautiful window-line and bigdoors,you’retradingspace(the445Fboot is 35F smaller than in a 3-Se-ries) for elegance.Most comparable dimensions of a

420i interior are also down on itsfour-door siblings but front passen-gers can remedy that by movingtheir seats towards the unoccupiedrear.Shouldyouwishtousetherearbench, be advised that space isslightly limited for two adults; evenmore so if they’re tall or bring afriend.The cabin layout is also similar to

the donor sedan yet it shows thesame amount of extra streamliningand style as the 420i’s exterior.Someone noted that the centre air

vents looked like nasty plastic butI couldn’t agree – all modern BMWshave qualitative materials andwhat seems like a durable level ofcraftsmanship.Should stylish design not be

enough to extract your extra invest-ment, BMW sweetens the 4-Serieswith additional luxury and conven-ience featuresoverandabovestand-ard items such as auto (Xenon)lights and wipers, power windowsandmirrors, remotecentral lockinganddriveraids likeABSandstabili-ty control.

Other goodies such as 18-inch al-loys, chrome trim, ambient lightingand fancy door sills can be found inthe various options packages, ourtest car being a Luxury Line. Fin-ished in metallic dark blue, every-one took great delight at how wellit contrasted thecaramelbrownandblack leather trim of the cabin.BMW SA offers many more op-

tions and fitted almost all of themto this vehicle. The ones I was quitefond of and highly recommend arekeyless access (R7 200), head-up dis-play (R14 500), Harman/Kardon

sound system (R9 800) and the bigdaddy hard-drive navigation sys-tem (R22 200).Anotherrecommendationisthe8-

speedSteptronicautomaticgearboxwith Driving Experience Control.This system lets youadjust the car’sperformance, steering, and damp-ing response to Eco Pro, Comfortand Sport. The difference it makesto the car’s character is quite pro-found and each setting has its ownmerits. Eco Pro encourages frugaldrivingwhileComfort is best suitedto this stylish cruiser; despite the

frontendbottomingoutquitequick-ly. Select Sport mode and the 420ibecomeswide-eyed and busy-tailed,thediluted tractioncontrol teamingup with harder steering and damp-ing toprovideadditionaldrivingen-joyment. The steering wheel’s cen-tralhubobscuressomeof theinstru-ments and a set of shift paddleswould’ve been nice, yet that BMWgear lever provides tip shifting andeven works in the correct manner:forwards for down, backwards forup. For the occasional spurt ofnaughtiness in a classy cruiser, itworks just fine.Providing just enough fire power

for such wickedness is the 2-litrefour-cylinder turbo-petrol enginedelivering maximum figures of135 kWor 270 Nmto reach 100 km/hin 7,3 seconds (we achieved 7,8) or236 km/h. Claimed average con-sumption from the 60F tank is6F/100 km and CO2 emissions just144 g/km.In town, our 420i helped itself to

9F/100 km, while careful highwaycruising yielded about 7. All testersfound that these figures are highlyvariable depending on your drivingstyle and the selected mode. Anoth-er thing we all agreed on is that the420i is somethingBMWandthe3-Se-ries can be proud of.This car is a stylish, entry-level

petrol coupé with seatbelt butlersand the good kind of multiple per-sonality disorder.PricesstartatR479 000 forastand-

ard manual 420i, this Luxury LineSteptronic costing R514 400 withoutoptions. BMW includes a 5-year/100 000 km motor-plan as well.Galimoto Media

The cabin layout is also similar to the donor sedan yet it shows the same amount of extra streamlining and styleas the 420i’s exterior. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

24 Donderdag21 Augustus, 2014

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

Cleaning tipsforyour carCLEANING AFRICA

Sothereyouare,Saturdayafternoonand the mother-in-law calls to askyou to drive her to her bridge club.You’re just back from themuddy carbushandyourcar’swearingsixinch-es of custom mud.

And worst of all, Cleaning Africa’sclosed!Don’t panic.Here are someuseful car-

cleaning tips we’ve discovered for theseunexpected emergencies – but please,use with caution, and at your own risk.To clean upholstery – use mild, soapy

water (eg Sunlight dishwashing liquid)and a soft brush. Vacuumup any excesswater with a Wet-Vac.For hard-to-reach corners – use ear-

buds and toothpicks.For shiny-clean dashboard and vinyl

– wipe over with furniture polish on asoft cloth.For little paintwork scratches – rub

over with a wax crayon in the same col-our as your paintwork and buff off anyresidue with a soft cloth. Works wellwith key scratches too.Greasy, grimy windscreen? Pour a

bottle of soda water over it and use asqueegee to wipe off excess.Forbluntwiperblades – sharpenboth

sides with an emery board.Out of car wax? Furniture polish

should shine it up just as well.For dirty hubcaps – scrub with soda

bicarbandawetbrushthenhoseoffwithwater.And lastly, use these tips to make the

interior of your car smell fresh andclean. Refresh any existing air freshen-ers with a few drops of your favouriteessential oil. Spray the interior with aquick burst of air freshener.Put a sheet or two of tumble dryer sof-

tener sheets under the seats.Cover any bad spills/odours with

ground-up coffee beans and leave for afew days before vacuuming up. Smellsshould be gone, or at least smell awholelotbetter.Sprinklingthecarpetswithbi-carbonate of soda and vacuuming up afew days later also works a treat.http://www.cleaningafrica.co.za/2011/07/27/sos-car-cleaning-tips/

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