boland sold 20131107

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7 NOVEMBER/8 NOVEMBER RENTAL BUSINESS HAS GROWN BY 123% Rental markets in Winelands, Boland and West Coast are booming Demand for rental accommoda- tion across the Winelands, Boland and West Coast is buoy- ant, says Seeff’s managing direc- tor for the areas, Pierre Ger- mishuys. “Our rental business has grown by 123% with over 300 leases including a significant portion of managed rentals where landlords prefer to use a credible agency to manage their properties and rental collections. We now have 12 rental agents and plan to boost this to 15 by next year.” “Commercial and resultant em- ployment growth in areas such as Worcester, Saldanha and to a lesser extent Tulbagh has fuelled the de- mand”, adds Germishuys. Stock shortages are now prevalent and for the first time in years, there are good buy-to-let opportunities here, he adds. “One of the biggest areas for poten- tial investment, is the affordable sec- tor with monthly rates of below R5 000 to R6 000”, adds rentals man- ager, Marinda Uys. Demand for farming accommodation is also in short supply as these tend to be let out quickly via friends and acquaint- ances and are not formally listed. As a general guideline, rental rates in Worcester now range be- tween R6 500 and R7 000 per month and between R7 500 and R12 000 for luxury accommodation. In Paarl, tenants now pay on aver- age R6 000 to R8 000 and upwards of R10 000 per month for luxury accom- modation and in Tulbagh between R4 500 and R6 000. Franschhoek is still largely a short-term market, but demand for long-term rentals is growing, says Uys. Entry-level accommodation at rates of R5 500 to R7 500 is in high de- mand as are properties at R7 500 to R16 000 per month. Luxury homes can go for much higher though. Seeff recently concluded the rental of a luxury home in La Ferme Chantelle at R33 000 per month while the spa- cious homestead on the historic farm, Keerweerder, was let out at a similar amount. Stellenbosch is one of the busiest markets, especially for student rent- als, continues Uys. Bachelor pads fetch between R4 500 to R5 500, two- bedroomed units between R6 000 and R8 000 and three-bedroomed flats around R10 500 per month. “The economic development on the West Coast, especially around the port and Industrial Zone in Saldanha, has seen a spike in rental demand not only within Saldanha but also in Langebaan. As economic growth continues and new jobs are created, this demand is set to swell significantly”, she adds. Average monthly rates in Saldan- ha are now R5 600 and in Langebaan at R7 000 although corporate rates range between R11 000 and R17 000. Affordable accommodation from R3 000 to R5 600 is especially in de- mand. Langebaan is popular for holi- day rentals and with the November- April tourist season upon us, short- term rentals are in high demand with visitors prepared to pay daily rates of up to R4 000 for a good loca- tion and luxury amenities. For more information, contact Seeff Winelands, Boland and West Coast Rentals Manager, Marinda Uys on 021 876 4592 or 079 837 8933 or email [email protected]. Turn to page three for the contact details for Seeff agents in the Wine- lands, Boland and West Coast. There is also a big demand for farming accommodation; this beautiful old homestead on the historic farm, Keerweerder, was recently let out by Seeff.

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Boland Sold 20131107

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Page 1: Boland Sold 20131107

7 NOVEMBER/8 NOVEMBER

RENTALBUSINESSHASGROWNBY123%

Rentalmarkets inWinelands,BolandandWestCoastareboomingDemand for rental accommoda-tion across the Winelands,Boland and West Coast is buoy-ant, says Seeff’s managing direc-tor for the areas, Pierre Ger-mishuys.

“Ourrentalbusinesshasgrownby123% with over 300 leases includinga significant portion of managedrentalswherelandlordsprefertousea credible agency to manage theirpropertiesandrentalcollections.Wenow have 12 rental agents and planto boost this to 15 by next year.”

“Commercial and resultant em-ployment growth in areas such asWorcester, Saldanha and to a lesserextent Tulbagh has fuelled the de-mand”, adds Germishuys.

Stockshortagesarenowprevalentand for the first time in years, thereare good buy-to-let opportunitieshere, he adds.

“Oneof thebiggestareas forpoten-tial investment, is theaffordable sec-tor with monthly rates of belowR5 000 to R6 000”, adds rentals man-ager, Marinda Uys. Demand forfarming accommodation is also inshort supply as these tend to be letoutquicklyviafriendsandacquaint-ances and are not formally listed.

As a general guideline, rentalrates in Worcester now range be-tween R6 500 and R7 000 per monthand between R7 500 and R12 000 forluxury accommodation.

In Paarl, tenants nowpay on aver-age R6 000 to R8 000 and upwards ofR10 000 permonth for luxury accom-modation and in Tulbagh betweenR4 500 and R6 000.

Franschhoek is still largely ashort-term market, but demand forlong-term rentals is growing, says

Uys. Entry-level accommodation atrates of R5 500 toR7 500 is in high de-mand as are properties at R7 500 toR16 000 per month. Luxury homescango formuchhigher though.Seeffrecently concluded the rental of aluxury home in La Ferme Chantelleat R33 000 per month while the spa-cious homestead on the historicfarm, Keerweerder, was let out at asimilar amount.

Stellenbosch is one of the busiest

markets, especially for student rent-als, continues Uys. Bachelor padsfetch between R4 500 to R5 500, two-bedroomedunitsbetweenR6 000andR8 000 and three-bedroomed flatsaround R10 500 per month.

“The economic development onthe West Coast, especially aroundthe port and Industrial Zone inSaldanha, has seen a spike in rentaldemand not only within Saldanhabut also in Langebaan. As economic

growth continues and new jobs arecreated, this demand is set to swellsignificantly”, she adds.

Average monthly rates in Saldan-ha are nowR5 600 and in Langebaanat R7 000 although corporate ratesrange between R11 000 and R17 000.Affordable accommodation fromR3 000 to R5 600 is especially in de-mand.Langebaanispopularforholi-day rentals and with the November-April tourist season upon us, short-

term rentals are in high demandwith visitors prepared to pay dailyrates of up to R4 000 for a good loca-tion and luxury amenities.

For more information, contactSeeff Winelands, Boland and WestCoast Rentals Manager, MarindaUys on 021 876 4592 or 079 837 8933 oremail [email protected].

Turn to page three for the contactdetails for Seeff agents in the Wine-lands, Boland and West Coast.

There is also a big demand for farming accommodation; this beautiful old homestead on the historic farm, Keerweerder, was recently let out by Seeff.

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

Find your nearestWesternCape Seeff agentSeeff Property Services boasts with several offices and top agents inthe Boland, Winelands and West Coast.The Seeff agents offer expert advice on buying, selling and renting

property and can help clients with all their property-related needs.Here are the local Seeff agents and their contact details for the

Boland, Winelands and West Coast areas.

Langebaan:Dorette Steele,083 950 9566.

Worcester:Elmari Esterhuize,082 663 5010.

Langebaan:Marelize Huysamen,081 270 0535.

Stellenbosch:Marise Becker,076 911 2882.

Paarl:Clive Hartman,083 555 6035.

Wellington:André Toerien,082 788 7746.

Pearl Valley:Elza Oberholzer,083 764 4733.

Wellington:Mari Louw,083 626 856.

Saldanha and Vre-denburg: Linda Beet,083 457 0467

Franschoek:Marinda Uys,079 837 8933

Franschoek:Tania van Deemter,076 726 2873

Lambertsbaai:Annerine Hayes,083 457 0467.

Ceres and Tulbagh:Niel Brand,072 822 2298.

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

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BOLANDSOLDHELDERBERG

Goodmarketing thekey to findingthebestbuyer foryourpropertyEvery seller wants to find a buyer forhis property. But the key to achievingthe best price is finding the best buyer,not just any buyer. So how does oneachieve this?

The first reality to accept is that thereis only one pool of buyers. There is no suchthing as a Harcourts buyer, or a Remaxbuyer, or a Seeff buyer – they are justbuyers. They don’t belong to anyone, andthey are free agents in search of their idealproperty.

The second reality is that buyers followhouses. That means that a buyer will con-tact the listing agent to view a property.Sure, a buyer may feel comfortable work-ing with a certain agent, and ask the agentto find them suitable properties. But ifthat agent is not able to get them to viewa certain listing, then the buyer will con-tact the listing agent directly to view it.Fact.

The third reality to consider is that abuyer will only pay the maximum for aproperty when they have to. When do theyhave to? When they are competing againstanother buyer for the same property – andthat’s called buyer competition.

The fourth reality is that the only wayto create buyer competition is to reallymarket your property well. It simply doesnot work when you sit back and wait forthe odd buyer to find your listing. There

is no pressure on a buyer to then maketheir best offer.

Some sellers’ may be concerned that,when they give a sole mandate to a singlereal estate company, they may lose outon buyers that other companies workwith. This simply is not the case.

A sole mandate is the only way to en-sure your property is aggressively mar-keted to attract buyers – as long as youragent has created a written marketingplan for you.

Buyers will see the marketing and theywill contact the listing agent.

In addition to this, in the event that anybuyer could have missed the marketing,most agents will (after an initial period)open the listing to other agents to bringthrough buyers. In such a case the listingagent will share a portion of their fee withthe other agent, costing the seller no morethan the fee agreed to in the sole mandate.

When it comes to sharing a fee somecompanies share 50/50 with the otheragency, and some share 60/40. In other ar-eas this could even change to 80/20 – withthe higher portion being for the listingagency.

Why is this? The cost of marketing aproperty properly is significant, and criti-cal to attracting buyers and creating buy-er competition to achieve the best price.It simply would not be viable for manycompanies on a 50/50 split given their

strong approach to marketing.An agent working with a buyer will in-

troduce the buyer on this basis, especiallyif the property is being marketed well, asthe buyer will otherwise contact the list-ing agent directly resulting in them earn-ing nothing.

Market well. The buyers will see the ad-vertising and respond with their best of-fer.

Email your real estate question to [email protected].

Talking Property by Steve Caradoc-Davies,principal of Harcourts Platinum

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

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

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BOLANDSOLD HELDERBERG

Aida introducesnewoffices inPaarl andHelderbergAida has openedup twonewofficesin the WesternCape.

A grand open-ingwasheld at thenew Helderbergoffice in CycloniteRoad, SomersetWest on Wednes-day 16 October,while the newWinelands officewas officiallyopenedon 23Octo-ber in Main Road,Paarl.

The Aida team at the Paarlopening. At the back from leftare: Jynie Smith (Helderbergagent), Zenie Smith (HelderbergOffice Manager), Leigh Doug-las (Business Manager). In themiddle is Clarise Buitendag(Helderberg agent), BerniceColeman (Winelands OfficeManager ), Ananja Pey-per (Agent Winelands) and Louisvan der Vyver (Helderbergagent). In the front are MariaSekel (Winelands agent), HanruCoetzee (Winelands agent),Denis Winternitz (director), Bran-don Saaiman (Winelands agent)

The Aida team at the Helderberg opening were (from left): Denis Winter-nitz (managing director), Leigh Douglas, Louis van der Vyver, JynieSmith, Ananja Peyper, Hanru Coetzee, Zenie Smith, Bernice Colemanand Clarise Buitendag.

Page 10: Boland Sold 20131107

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

10Eikestadnuus7 November, 2013BOLAND

SOLDSTELLENBOSCH

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11Eikestadnuus7 November, 2013

BOLANDSOLD STELLENBOSCH

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BOLANDSOLDSTELLENBOSCH

EERSTE FASE UITVERKOOPEERSTE FASE UITVERKOOPEERSTE FASE UITVERKOOP

PAARLMarna Carstens082 721 6802

[email protected]

Emtia van der Sluys072 399 5667

[email protected]

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13Paarl Post7 November, 2013

BOLANDSOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON

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BOLANDSOLDPAARL/WELLINGTON

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15Paarl Post7 November, 2013

BOLANDSOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON

Page 16: Boland Sold 20131107

MERCEDESBENZ:AMGSTRIKES AGAIN

Strongest four-poton theplanetQUICKPIC

The new CLA 45 AMG seesMercedes-AMG adding an-other model to its recently

introduced four-cylinder enginerange. Following the successfulA 45 AMG introduction, Mer-cedes-AMG now offers two high-performance cars powered by afour-cylinderenginetheCLAandCLA Edition 1.

Bothnewmodelsprovideanexcit-ing introduction to the world ofAMG.With an output of 265 kWanda peak torque of 450 N/m, theAMG 2,0 F turbo engine is theworld’s most powerful four-cylin-der engine in series production. Itis also exceptionally efficient andmeets the EU6emissionsstandards.NEDC combined fuel consumptionof 6,9 F per 100 kilometres puts theA 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG at thetop of their segments..TheCLA 45 AMGalso offers a fas-

cinatingly sporty driving experi-ence, characterised by impressivecraftsmanship and individuality,while the AMG 4MATIC perform-ance-oriented all-wheel drive setsnew standards in chassis dynamicsThis new four-cylindermodel fea-

tures the hallmark AMG DNA,largely due to the fact that, duringdesign and development, the Mer-cedes-AMG experts were able todraw on their experience in motor-sportand theconstructionofpower-ful high-performance cars and com-ponents gained over the past dec-ade.The BlueDIRECT turbo engine,

all-wheel drive and AMG SPEED-SHIFT DCT seven-speed sports

transmission endow the CLA 45AMGwithanextremelycapable,dy-namicandefficientdriveconfigura-tion -– dynamic and individual carsfor new target groupsWithages rangingbetween30and

themid-40s, the CLA 45 AMG targetgroup is also younger and more un-conventional than previous AMGcustomers.Professionally successful and in-

dependent non-conformists, thesecustomers are looking for dynamicand individual cars. They want toexpress their freedominastyle- andtrend-driven fashion with a carfrom a recognised performancebrand.The CLA 45 AMG follows the phi-

losophy of the successful CLS

63 AMG – the trend-setting four-door high-performance coupé. It of-fers aunique combinationof a fasci-nating sporty driving experience,exceptional design and maximumindividuality.Mercedes-AMG appeals to the

tech-savvy and flexible attitude tolife of both target groups by offeringa wide range of equipment, colourand material options for the newmodels.TypicallyAMGis themostpower-

ful series-production four-cylinderturbo engine in the worldTwo figures show that the

A 45 AMG and CLA 45 hold pole po-sition in their displacement seg-ment: the newly developed AMG2,0 F turboengineenginehasa max-

imum output of 265 kW and up to450 Nmoftorque;unmatchedbyanyother mass-produced turbochargedfour-cylinder engine worldwide.The power density of 133 kW/litreputs the AMG high-performanceturboengineonparwith theworld’smost powerful supersports cars.The high output and torque, cou-

pledwith the performance-orientedAMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive (fit-ted as standard)make for extremelydynamic performance: the CLA 45AMG completes the sprint from 0 to100 km/h in 4,6 seconds and has atop speed of 250 km/h (electronical-ly limited).With a fuel consumption of 6,9 F

per 100 kms (NEDC combined), thisnew high-performance car from Af-

falterbach is exceptionally efficientand leads the way in its segment. Afurtherpriorityindevelopmentwasto ensure a sustainable reduction inparticulate emissions. TheCLA 45 AMG thus already complieswith the second stage of the EU6emissions standards that do nottake effect until 2017.Inside, too, theCLA 45 AMGboast

the hallmark Mercedes-AMG spiritof dynamic exclusivity.High-quality touches in both

high-performance cars include thesports seats in ARTICO man-madeleather/DINAMICA microfibre-with red contrasting top-stitchingandredseatbelts, themultifunctionsportssteeringwheelwithshiftpad-dles, and the AMG DRIVE UNITwith E-SELECT lever.The instrument panel trim in the

CLA 45 AMG is in brushed alumini-um and has five galvanised ventila-tion outlets. Furthermore, theAMGinstrument cluster has a two-tubelook.The central colour display incor-

poratestheAMGmainmenuinclud-ing RACETIMER. On opening thedoor, the driver is greeted by theAMG start-up screen.Numerous individualisation op-

tions are available for both models.The fully equipped and appointed“Edition 1” variants feature an ex-pressive composition of exclusiveexterior and interior details.As with all Mercedes-Benz pas-

senger cars, theCLA45 AMGcomesstandardwith the class-leadingPre-miumDrive six years/100 000kmmintenance plan, with no customercontribution.•The CLA 45 AMG comesin atR674 400 (incl. VAT excl. CO2 tax.•TheAMGEdition 1 – addR75 000.

With an output of 265 kW and a peak torque of 450 N/m, the AMG 2,0 F turbo engine is the world’s mostpowerful four-cylinder engine in series production. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

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17Donderdag7 November, 2013

BOLANDSOLD AUTO

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BOLANDSOLDAUTO

EsquireMagazinepicks2014JeepGrandCherokeeSRTasSUVof theYearQUICKPIC

The 2014 Jeep® Grand CherokeeSRT has been named SUV of theYear by Esquire Magazine (US)in this year’s Esquire CarAwards.

Vehicles considered for the 2013Esquire Car Awards were requiredto be all-new, appealing to Esquirereaders, stylish, good value andmost importantly, a vehicle youwant to drive.Esquire’s editors drove numer-

ous vehicles before making the se-lections for the 2013 Esquire CarAwards, which appear in their No-vember issue.“The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

SRT combines impressive perform-ance and luxury wrapped in a mus-cular and stylish exterior,” saidRalph Gilles, President and CEO –SRTBrandandMotorsports,Chrys-ler Group LLC. “Winning Esquire’sSUV of the Year award continues tohelp set us apart from esteemedcompetitors by appealing to the pas-sionate, performance-enthusiastconsumer with its unique blend ofvalue, technology, power and char-acter.”Starting with the performance-

oriented and functional designsfrom Chrysler Group’s SRT (Streetand Racing Technology) brand, the2014JeepGrandCherokeeSRTmod-el builds on that success with newtechnologies and exterior and inte-rior styling cues that convey an

even higher level of opulence andpower.Enhancements for the 2014model

year include an all-new, fully elec-tronic eight-speed automatic trans-mission that delivers improved fueleconomy, significantly improvedtowingcapacity,withhardwareandsoftware revisions that furtherheighten Grand Cherokee SRT’sfun-to-drive factor during a dailycommute or more spirited drivingon the race track.The new transmission ismated to

the proven and powerful 6,4 F HE-MI® V8 with Fuel Saver Technolo-gy, delivering 351 kWat 6 000 r/minand 630 Nm of torque at 4 300 r/minand helps deliver a greatly en-hanced towing performance of3 265 kg – a 44% improvement overthe 2 268 kg towing capacity fromthe previous model.Outside, the new 2014 Grand

Cherokee SRT sports styling that iseven more aggressive than the pre-vious model. Design enhancementsfor 2014 include a new signatureLED character lamp treatment, abrawnier grille, a new, one-touchlift-gate and a new rear spoiler.Inside, Grand Cherokee SRT cus-

tomers are treated to a new 8,4 inchtouch-screen that displays a wealthof SRT-exclusive Performance Pag-esdata.Anewlaunchcontrolbuttonis situated behind the newT-handleshifter on the centre console, and aredesigned SRT-exclusive three-spoke, heated steering wheel withmore ergonomically efficient pad-

dle shifters, features a host of com-fort, convenience and connectivitycontrols.

) The Chrysler Group’s SRT(Street and Racing Technology)brand uses a successful product de-velopment formula featuring five

proven hallmarks: awe-inspiringpower-trains; outstanding ride,handling and capability; bench-mark braking; aggressive and func-tional exteriors and race-inspiredand high-performance interiors toremain true to its performance

roots.The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is

available from Jeep dealershipscountry-wide and retails atR899 990. All Jeep models are soldwith a three year/100 000km war-ranty and maintenance plan.

The new exterior of the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT shows styling that is even more aggressive than the previousmodel. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

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BOLANDSOLD AUTO

Jo’burg InternationalMotor show isamustFRANS LE ROUX

Ifyouareanything likeme, the thoughtof going to anymotoring exhibition ex-cites you beyond belief.

I was lucky enough to attend this year’sJohannesburg International Motor show(JIMS), which was held at the vast show-grounds of Nasrec. As this was my fourthvisit to JIMS it was easy to familiarise my-self with all the different halls and whatI needed to see first.

We started off on a bit of a downer dueto one of my favourite halls, with exoticmanufactures, being completely emptyand closed. So no Porsche, no Ferrari andcertainly no Lamborghini to be seen.

The disappointment only lasted a fewminutes until we arrived at the first of ourmajor manufacturers halls. In Hall 9 weresome classics, motorcycles and everythingyou would need to customize your ride, un-der one roof.

NextstopwasHall8werebignamessuchas Honda, Land Rover, Honda and Mazdawere shown. Highlights included the likesof the all-new Range Rover Sport, Honda’sbreathtaking NSX concept car (pictured)andatrueAmericanmusclecar,aCorvetteZL1 convertible.

We drooled our way over to Hall 7 werewe found the likes of GWM, Kia and Hy-undai. Here we stumbled upon some pretty

big-hitting, well-priced cars. GWM is prob-ably the only Chinese manufacturer thathas won the hearts of thousands of SouthAfricans. They are also planning a big ex-pansion to their product line-up, and thosevehicles look rather promising.

Hall 6 was my clear favourite. Here onecould see everything from a Formula 1 in-spired Infiniti SUV to a fire-breathing Mer-cedes Benz CLA45 AMG. Nissan show-cased their giant-killing new GTR super-car while Mercedes Benz had the biggestfloor space at JIMS this year – everythingfrom a yellow SLS to a very purple CLA45AMG.

Walking over to BMW, the new 4 Seriesthere was definitely the star of the show.Audi’s corner featured a few S models andsome of their white-knuckle RS-models,the latest one being the quirky Q3 RS SUV.

Hall 5 was filled with everything youcould want if you are in the trucking busi-ness.

Finally we walked over to the off-road4X4 course, which has been used for anumber of years. Here anyone can have afree ride in any one of about 25 different4X4 vehicles.

I would say that this show is a must-seefor all petrol-heads. Taking into accountthat it only happens every two years andthat the entrance fee is a measly R100, thenall you really need is an aeroplane ticketto Johannesburg.

Honda’s impressive NSX concept car PHOTO: FRANS LE ROUX

NewRange Rover Sport off to beat‘EmptyQuarter’ crossing recordQUICKPIC

This coming week, Land Rover will attemptto set the fastest recorded time for a land vehi-cle crossing the ‘Empty Quarter’ – one of theharshest and most challenging desert envi-ronments on the planet, using a standard pro-duction New Range Rover Sport.

In the days running up to the challenge, lastminute checks are being made, with the chal-lenge vehicle being prepped at the start-linein Wadi Adda Wasir, Saudi Arabia. The routewill run from there towards the finish line onthe border of the United Arab Emirates, a dis-tance of over 1 000 km – further than thelength of France.

The driver will be Moi Torrallardona, a 47

year-old Spanish off-road racer with exten-sive experience of the Dakar Rally, in whichhe competed for ten successive years with abest finish of 6th overall.

A dangerously arid climate with no reliablewater sources and an ever-shifting landscape,the Empty Quarter in the Arabian Peninsulais one of the most treacherous terrains manand machine can face. The driving conditionswill be incredibly harsh, with temperaturesof over 50°C in the day and towering sanddunesreachinghundredsofmetres tothesky.

The New Range Rover Sport will be produc-tion-spec,challengingaterrainwhereusuallyonly specialist sand vehicles are found. Moiwill be exercising its range of capabilitiestothe limit in the process.

Land Rover is putting their money were their mouths are, by sending this standard newRange Rover Sport on a “suicide” mission. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

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20 Donderdag7 November, 2013

BOLANDSOLDAUTO

Mercedes-BenzCLAsedan: thehiponeHANJO STIER

Caution caution! I’m about to gointo my grumpy old-man mode.What has happened to commoncourtesy and good manners?Why do our lives move quickerandquicker?Whoneedsall thesenewcarswehaveonourmarket?Take the new Mercedes-BenzCLA, for example.

Who is it aimed at? Unconven-tional,younger, lifestyle-orientatedcustomers, ladder climbers and in-novators looking for a confident,sporty, untamed compact C-seg-ment sedan with sporty, powerfuldesign language and an aggressive,stand-out, dynamic edge to it – soMercedes-Benz South Africa de-scribe their car.Sowhat’swrongwiththeC-Class?

Well, as M-B execs were quick topoint out, the slightly larger, rear-wheel-drive sedan is more re-strained and classic, so the newCLA is in no way a C-Class substi-tute. In fact, it looks, feelsanddrivesdifferently, for customerswhohavenever considered this brand before,not even financially.Isn’t that being greedy? Not real-

ly, they would argue; by followingthedaringCLSdesignswitha lowerprice tag, this car luresacompletelydifferent (cough) “younger” audi-ence and hopefully they’ll staywiththe three-pointed star.Merc aims tolead luxury segments by 2020, local-ly by as early as 2015.Really. How? Progressive and ex-

citing products, like this CLA witha world-record Cd (aerodynamic)value of just 0.22. All engines are

state-of-the-art, turbo-charged fourcylinders which comply with Euro6 emissions regulations; one morethan theyhave to.Allpetrol enginesare also BlueDirect (direct injec-tion) motors.Sounds complicated. What else?

All CLA’s have an Eco start/stopsystem to further lower their emis-

sions and consumption. Otherstandard items, besides most avail-able electricandautomaticgoodies,are a dynamic DirectSteer system,Attention Assist drowsiness detec-tion and Collision Assist system.Is that all?Of coursenot.TheCLA

is packedwith safety features to thetune of five EuroNCAP stars and an

advanced award, it boasts a premi-um interiorwith lots of individuali-sation options, differing specifica-tion levels and a host of connectivi-ty solutions – more of which will beadded in the near future.Right, which models are availa-

ble? For you Sir, CLA180 andCLA200 turbo-petrol (90kw/200Nm

and 115 kW/250Nm) or CLA220 CDIturbo-diesel (125 kW/350 Nm) witheither 6-speed manual or 7-speeddouble-clutch automatic gearbox(including Eco, Sport and Manualmodes with shift paddles).Both petrol cars claim average

fuel consumptions of around5.5F/100km with about 130g CO²/km while the diesel manages 4.5and 117g. All of them hit 100km/hin eight to nine seconds and canreach 210 to 230km/h. The boottakes 470F, the fuel tank 50+6F,maximum load is 525kg and theturning radius is 11m.For absolute speed freaks,

there’s also the CLA45 AMGwhichassaults you with another world-beating 265kW and can frightenPorsches by hitting 100km/h in 4.6seconds. After sampling the CLArange on our launch route,weweregiven the chance to fling the AMGaround an airfield – amazing.Good Heavens. How much? The

CLA45 AMG is about R675,000 andslightly sold out while the CLA180costs R348,700, CLA200 is R372,200and the CLA220 CDI will set youback R397,600. All cars are soldwith a six-year/100,000km fullmaintenance plan and a choice ofseven exterior colours.From our short drive and all

these impressive specs I can con-firm that the CLA is not an oldman’s car, especially not a grumpyone. Judging by the public’s reac-tion, Mercedes has certainly hittheir mark and will attract a lot ofhip new clients. And for clientswith a new hip, there’s always theC-Class.Galimoto Media

For absolute speed freaks, there’s also the CLA45 AMG which assaults you with another world-beating 265kWand can scare Porsches by hitting 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.