Lifestyle

Toyota hybrid hilux

You can’t beat Toyota when it comes to NEVs!

Toyota has been at the forefront of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and it will continue to fly the carbon neutral flag right into the future. I have been saying for some time that Electric Vehicles (EVs) are not all that, especially not here in South Africa. We just don’t have the infrastructure or, to put it bluntly, the money. They target such a teeny tiny percent of this country, how can they be sustainable for any manufacturer? This is where Toyota just gets it right. The plan is to be carbon neutral by 2050, and that doesn’t only involve EVs. Toyota want to accelerate widespread use of next-generation vehicles to save energy and respond to a diverse range of fuels. This means a widespread use of fuel cell, electric and other Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). There are 54 countries in Africa, each with a unique environment, market and policy to consider. In response to such diverse needs, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is preparing all options, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) and Hydrogen Combustion Engines (H2ICE), while also enhancing the efficiency of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by expanding our usage to run on carbon-neutral green fuels, all under the policy of “leaving no one behind” to tackle carbon neutrality with a “multi-pathway approach”. A smart move made by Toyota yonks ago, and one they continue to make, is around hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It is such a clever way for customers to move toward energy efficient vehicles without taking the plunge directly into EVs. It is also a far more affordable option. “In such an environment, we believe that HEVs are the most practical solution for carbon neutrality in Africa. They don’t take electricity from the grid, they can reduce CO2 emissions by 40%, make use of existing petrol stations, and are more affordable than BEVs,” says Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of TSAM. There are many options for customers now, but there will more and more options coming our way. Some of the options we got to experience at the recent Women in Auto event held be Toyota in the Western Cape. These included the Corolla Cross 1.8 hybrid and the mild hybrid Fortuner and Hilux, We even got to sample a few that aren’t on the market such as the Battery Electric BZ4X, the fuel cell electric Mirai, and the plug-in hybrid RAV4. If I wasn’t a Toyota fan already, this event just cemented so many positives for me. Not only were we there to celebrate the incredible women within this tough industry, but we got to see what the future looks like for Toyota, and all I can say is, it will be a rosy one! Watch this space!

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sustainable

5 Ways to Make Driving More Sustainable

There is a shift toward sustainable driving these days to reduce costs and carbon emissions. Fuel is more expensive than ever, so reducing it helps with your household economy and bills. Carbon reduction is also important as the world moves towards net zero emissions by 2050.  Driving Style  No matter what type of vehicle you drive, you can benefit from changing your driving style to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Most cars today are fitted with an engine cut-off system that stops the engine when you are idling. If not, remember to cut the engine manually.  The speed at which you drive is another important element in fuel efficiency and carbon reduction. The best speed for fuel economy depends on whether you are driving on a motorway or a suburban area. In general, driving at around 80 km/h is the ideal speed for fuel economy.      Electric Vehicles  One of the best ways to make your driving more sustainable these days is to switch from a combustion engine to an electric vehicle. The infrastructure for EVs has improved considerably in the last few years, making them a more viable option for commuters and weekend drivers. Even if they are still incredibly expensive here in South Africa. But at least we are moving in the right direction. Electric vehicles don’t have zero emissions. The electricity they use comes partly from fossil fuel burning; however, EVs have zero emissions on the road, making the local air cleaner. In terms of driving, an EV is smooth, quiet, and reliable. A fantastic option for SA in the meantime is a hybrid vehicle.  Car Rental  Something else we need more of in South Africa are places like sydneyutehire.com.au. Renting a car has a range of benefits, such as lower costs, more sustainability, no maintenance, and fewer responsibilities. These days, more people are choosing to rent a car instead of buying one.  Car rental is simple and straightforward; all you need to do is contact the rental company and provide a few documents. Then you will have the chance to browse a range of high-quality vehicles online and choose one that meets your requirements. Car rental is more eco-friendly.     Car Sharing  If you prefer to avoid costs and responsibilities altogether, you could benefit from car sharing. Car sharing generally takes two forms. Some people car share with friends and neighbours, while others take park in a local car sharing system. Again, we need to implement this in SA. A local car-sharing system is organized online. Participants signup into the system and then choose a car that’s available in the local area. Use the car according to your requirements and then drop it off at an official location for someone else. It’s a cost-saving carbon saving system.    Optimise Vehicle  Whether you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, your fuel economy is affected by a number of factors. You might have noticed that the way you drive can improve your fuel economy, but if not, try the following tips. Fuel economy is affected by the car’s weight, tyres, and driving.  Firstly, the car’s weight influences the fuel used when driving, so look for ways to reduce the load and save on fuel. Some ways to reduce weight include removing the spare tyre and heavy components. Make sure you have fuel-efficient tyres fitted and adapt your driving to save.  

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Cape Town

Your Guide to a Perfect Getaway in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and with its gorgeous beaches and stunning mountain views, it’s no wonder why it is such a popular tourist destination. So whether you are looking for a romantic escape or an adventure-filled family holiday, Cape Town has something for everyone. Here is your guide to planning the perfect getaway in this magical city! Where to Stay Cape Town has plenty of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. If you’re looking for a romantic escape, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay. Boasting spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, this luxurious 5-star resort offers all the amenities you need for a relaxing getaway. Alternatively, if your budget is more limited, The Backpacker’s Hostel in Green Point provides clean and affordable dormitory-style rooms. Car Rental Solutions Around Cape Town is accessible with Ace Rent A Car. Ace has a selection of vehicles to suit any budget or travel need, from economy cars to luxury sedans and SUVs. Ace also offers additional services such as baby seats, GPS navigation systems, toll payment solutions, and more. Their friendly staff can help you with any queries that you may have. If you prefer not to drive, plenty of other transport options are available. The MyCiti bus service is an excellent option for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. With routes covering most parts of Cape Town, hopping on and off throughout your sightseeing journey is easy. Eating Out Cape Town is renowned for its diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or craving some traditional South African cuisine, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. For fine dining, The Test Kitchen in Woodstock serves delicious creative dishes with an ever-changing menu. If you’re looking for something more casual, Kloof Street House in Gardens offers contemporary comfort food and live music in a relaxed setting. Shopping and Local Markets The V&A Waterfront is the perfect place to go shopping in Cape Town. With over 450 stores and restaurants, you can easily spend an entire day browsing the stalls and admiring the views of Table Bay. For something more unique, head to one of the city’s many markets, such as the City Bowl Market on Hope Street or Oranjezicht City Farm Market at Granger Bay. Here you can find everything from handmade African crafts to fresh local produce. Outdoor Adventures in the Area Cape Town is known for its stunning scenery, and it’s easy to find plenty of outdoor activities. If you’re looking for adventure, hike up Lion’s Head or explore the trails of Table Mountain National Park. For water lovers, there are plenty of beaches around Cape Town where you can swim, surf or even take a scenic boat ride. No matter what type of holiday you plan, Cape Town has something to offer everyone. With its beautiful beaches and mountains, diverse culture, delicious food, and exciting outdoor adventures, it is one of the world’s most spectacular cities.

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Ranger Raptor

Is the new Raptor the ‘foxiest’ of the lot?

Leading up to the launch of the new Ford Ranger Raptor, I was filled with both excitement and anxiety. The latter being because I would be camping in the Namib desert for three days with no access to a proper toilet, shower, or cellphone range. It might come as a shock to you, but I am not much of a camper. Look, I have done my time at Rocking the Daisies, Synergy, and the likes, but I outgrew those festivals almost as quickly as I started going to them. I don’t mind sleeping in a tent, I just don’t enjoy having to climb out of said tent in the middle of the night to go and relieve myself in a what can only be described as a ‘poop cooler box’ while trying to avoid snakes, scorpions and fellow journalists. But what will genuinely shock you, is that I enjoyed every minute of this epic trip, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing! INTO THE WILD After a very early start we landed in Walvis Bay around midday to rather pleasant weather – we weren’t to know temperatures were about to hit close to 40-degrees Celsius. Lined up outside of the sandy airport were the Raptors. A range of Raptors, if you will. (A rally or Raptors? A raft of Raptors? A rabble of Raptors? Gosh, this could go on). If there is one thing Ford’s flagship bakkie has, its kerb appeal. Flip, it looks good. Much like its standard Ranger sibling, the front grille with the F-O-R-D lettering looks intimidating while the Matrix LED lights with C-Clamp daytime running lights make such a statement. The dual active exhaust tips make it known that this bakkie means business. Press the Start button and you will know what I am talking about. The growl coming through those exhaust tips hits you right in the belly. Pop it into Baja mode (more on that later) and you’ll squeal with delight. WHY THE SQUEALING? Powering the new Raptor is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine. It is a staggering 135 kW more powerful than the outgoing model, now pushing out 292 kW, and it gains another 80 Nm, taking it to a total of 583 Nm. It is considered the most powerful double cab bakkie in South Africa. And one can feel it. Especially when you are hurtling yourself up (or down) a dune! This is where more squealing occurred. I would like it to be known, that I did not get stuck once on any of the dunes. The only time I may have had a hiccup was at the camp site when I took the Raptor to get some water and didn’t put it in the correct driving mode. But it took all of about three seconds to get myself out of the situation before anyone noticed what a chop I looked like. Speaking of driving modes, there are seven to choose from, but we were mostly in Sand or Baja mode. The latter being the meatiest of the lot. Nothing sounds quite as good as a Raptor in Baja mode. It also means that everything is running at its ultimate, such as the throttle and transmission response, the braking, the suspension etc. What I took away from this adventure, is that there is nothing the Raptor cannot do and nowhere it cannot go! Ok, that isn’t entirely true, it obviously can’t climb up the side of a building…yet. One thing I can attest to, though, if you put your foot down and travel at speed over even the softest sand, the Raptor will glide over it, no questions asked. FOXY RAPTOR Something that really stood out for me was just how comfortable the entire experience was (excluding the toilet situation). This is thanks not only to the enhanced and strengthened chassis, but also the redesigned suspension that now includes rear Watt’s link coil springs and FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with electronic damping. Bearing in mind that this is designed to ensure that if you gooi this 2.4-tonne beast into the air, you will land safely and comfortably. And what a job it is doing of that! Honestly, I have never felt more composed while off-roading. There wasn’t even much need for a sports bra – the tell-tale sign! RAPTOR’S RISE Raptor’s Rise is a place I stayed at in Tulbagh once and it is just wonderful, hence the headline here. It has nothing to do with this part of my review. The interior of the Raptor is similar to that of the standard Ranger. There are a few vibes here and there that tell you this is no plain, old Ranger though. Touches of orange throughout the cabin as well as the Raptor logo here and there should give it away. But the main event for me are the fighter-jet inspired seats. Not only are they rather comfy, they also provide oodles of support when you’re hitting the corners pretty hard. Or even when you’re heading up a dune and do a sudden, unexpected turn to avoid something (not that I did that, obviously, I am a very safe and alert driver). The rear seats, however, are a little less comfortable. But if you’re the driver of the Raptor, are you really going to care? I think not. The moerse infotainment screen houses a host of things and while it is all kinds of intimidating to begin with, you’ll have the hang of it in no time. By the third day I was far more accustomed to it and was almost able to navigate the off-road menu without asking my co-driver for assistance. I do love that you can easily engage the front- and rear differential at the touch of a button (on the screen). IT’S A LOT TO TAKE IN There is so much to this new Raptor. More than I could ever put into one review, in fact, it would be a struggle to

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car interior

How to enhance your car’s interior

When you spend the money on a car, whether it’s a new car or an old one, you want it to look nice. Nobody enjoys having crumbs or mashed food or dirt on the inside of their car, but it’s pretty common if you have children. There are plenty of ways though that you can enhance your car’s appearance and make it look good on the inside.  It’s not just about aftermarket parts or changing the paint job on the outside. Companies such as TDot Performance can help you if you are looking around for new interior materials to reupholster your seating, replace your mats, or even just give the whole thing a polish. If your car is starting to look a little worse for wear on the inside, then you need these tips to help you to make it look great. Image source: Pexels

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BMW i7

HIGHLIGHTING THE NEW BMW i7

Every now and then a car comes along and it makes you go, “Wow!” One such car is the new BMW 7 Series, and for this particular article, the i7. I just spent the past two days in what could be considered one of the most luxurious cars on our roads. For that reason, I didn’t think it sufficed to write a formal review, but to rather highlight exactly what makes this beast of a car so special. Even if most of us will never in our lifetime ever be able to afford one…just another thing that makes it special, I guess. BUT WHY THE i7? I am writing about the electric version of the 7 Series because it is the one that I drove at the launch, but also because I think there is so much hype around electric vehicles (EVs) in this country that it is more relevant at this time. Even if I think EVs are just about doomed here, but that is an article for another time. What makes this EV quite unique is that it is no different to the its 7 Series siblings in any way except for that of the drivetrain. Most manufacturers do everything they can to make their EVs stand out from the crowd, and stand out from their own model range, but not BMW. They want you to enjoy the 7 Series as it is whether you choose the electric version or the internal combustion engine versions. WHAT MAKES THE 7 SERIES SO SPECIAL? The short answer to that question need only one word; opulence! If you want over the top then you have come to the right place. Not only is this car enormous, even the grille hits you right between the eyes, but the features inside are some I have never ever seen before…and I have been in a lot of cars over my 15-year career. The most ‘wow’ of the lot for me has to be what’s going on in the rear of the car. Which is exactly where you should spend your time if you own one, being chauffeured around, never having to really lift a finger. The rear of the cabin turns into what could be considered a full blown cinematic powerhouse. Think iMax. A 31.3-inch touchscreen, which folds flat against the roof, drops down with the touch of a button. The size of this screen is not far off from the first flatscreen TV I once had in my lounge at home. It is enormous in this space. It is operated via full-sized smartphones in the door handles that also operate things like the blinds…because who wants light coming in when you’re trying to watch The Devil Wears Prada? Take a look at the gallery below to have your mind blown. WOOLLY MAMMOTH I am just going to put this out there, I have a fear of ice cream sticks. It’s weird I know. But I know people who have a fear of cotton wool. Or even wool. It gives them the ‘grils’. The reason I mention this is because the i7 comes with a combo of leather and actual cashmere wool seats. They look amazing. Sitting on them is fine, unless you’re in a short skirt, but what does give me the ‘grils’ is it being on the door consoles. You will either love it or not, but it is optional so no need to get upset about it just yet. AIRFLOW FTW The air vents are invisible and I thought this would bug me to no end because I like to direct the airflow where I want it, which is usually on my face, but there are little rubber knobs that allow you to do just this and I think these vents work better than traditional ones. I adore them! What I don’t adore are the doors! OH. MY. GOSH! They are a lovely gimmick. They open with the touch of a button and are electric. You can also open all four of them at once which makes everyone go ‘Ooooh’ and ‘Aaaaahh.’ BUT, they are like an electric tailgate. So they are slow to open and close and if you do it manually it feels like you are breaking it. It makes that “you’re breaking me” sound (if you know, you know). TO POWER OR NOT TO POWER The i7 has two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, both powered by a rather massive 101 kW/h battery. You get a range of between 591 – 625 km. The ride is just beautiful, if ever so slightly on the firm side. The acceleration is not as savage as I have felt from some EVs, but rather a more relaxing and smooth build up. It is not slow by any means, mind you, it’s just more of a cruiser than a racer. With loadshedding possibly heading to stage 8, it will be interesting to see how many people will still opt for EVs. BMW says that most of its EV clientele are off the grid, but, I am just not sure even that will be enough to live with one of these EV beasts on a day to day basis. Maybe as a weekend car, rather? LAST BUT NOT LEAST A multi-sensory experience is how BMW describes its Operating System 8 (the latest) which “allows drivers to enjoy intuitive, multimodal control of the vehicle, navigation, infotainment and communication functions, and also the digital services.” It is more like sensory overload for me. It will take a while to get used to everything this car has on offer, especially when scrolling through the infotainment screen. If you want to adjust anything it takes you through a few screens to get to it, which can be rather frustrating. But once you have the hang of it, there is almost nothing that this car cannot do for you. PRICING OF THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES

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Ineos Grenadier

The Ineos Grenadier is here!

Picture your ideal car. Now imagine it doesn’t exist. Instead of settling for something else, you decide, instead, to just build it yourself. This is pretty much what Sir Jim Ratcliffe did when he decided to build the Ineos Grenadier. I’m not jealous, you’re jealous. THE STORY GOES LIKE THIS… In 2017, INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for a stripped back, utilitarian, hard-working 4×4 engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. INEOS Automotive Limited was formed and a senior team of automotive professionals assembled to bring the vision to reality with a fresh perspective of 4×4 development and manufacturing.   Combining rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour, the Grenadier will be a truly uncompromising 4×4 built from the ground up. Engineered to overcome all conditions, it will provide best-in-class off-road capability, durability, and reliability to those who depend on a vehicle as a working tool, wherever they are in the world.   And just like that, the Grenadier has filled the gap that the Land Rover Defender left. It has been built for explorers, farmers and true off-road enthusiasts. And before you mention that it looks just like the Defender, one must bear in mind that the modular design works. Curves and the rest make for complications. So Defender-ish it is. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? One of my favourite things about the cabin of the Grenadier is that it’s not all touchscreen, touchscreen, touchscreen. Mr Ratcliffe knew that if you’re driving in places like Iceland you will be wearing gloves and have you ever tried to operate a touchscreen with gloves on? It doesn’t work. It is a pain! So the cabin is all about buttons and knobs. It is like an aircraft inside. I was so tempted to press and flick every switch I could. Making it even more practical is the fact that you can hose down the entire interior. There are plugs in the floor to let the water out. It is for the utilitarian. There is one thing that would bother me, though, and that is the hooter. Or what Mr Radcliffe calls the “tooter.” He feels that you can ever so gently warn a cyclist that you are passing by with the sound of a ‘toot toot.’ I am all for a foghorn sounding hooter if I am honest. I enjoy giving cyclists or bad drivers an almighty fright when its required. WHEN CAN YOU GET ONE? Well you can reserve your very own Grenadier right now if you want. It will be delivered in October. It will cost you just under R1.4 million but there will be an array of accessories on offer. Local companies like Alu-cab will also be involved to ensure you are able to customise the crap out of your vehicle. You won’t have to worry about servicing as some BMW service centres will have you covered. There will also be Ineos-specific centres based in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Most African countries will also be covered with partners in case of any problems. WHY BMW? Well that’s because BMW has provided the twin-turbo straight-six engines in both petrol and diesel. You will recognise the BMW gear lever when you you climb in. “Offering no-frills utilitarianism, complete purity of purpose, unquestionable authenticity and ultimate engineering integrity, Projekt Grenadier will be a working 4×4 that supports a varied mix of customers around the world, from Africa to Australasia, Europe to the US.” Although I didn’t get to drive the Grenadier myself, we rode shotgun in a prototype, I can assure you that this will be everything the project set out to be. It is rather exciting and what a breath of fresh air to experience a car that has never existed before now. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel of one, which should be soon. Watch this space.

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Sportage GT-Line

5 reasons the Kia Sportage GT-Line is perfect for a road trip

I recently had the pleasure of driving the Kia Sportage GT-Line from Or Tambo airport to Palala Boutique Game Lodge situated where the Limpopo and Palala Rivers meet, close to the Botswana border. We were heading to a wedding and banked on about a four and a half hour drive. We did not factor in the road works, the cash-in-transit heists, the dirt roads or the torrential downpours. It ended up being more than six hours of driving. With all of that, I still did not turn in to a raging monster (which is known to happen) and I put it down to the Sportage GT-Line. So here are my five reasons why I think it makes for a perfect road trip car. 1. COMFORT I need to be able to nap on a road trip. I need to have legroom and I need the seat to not be as stiff as a board. Once it was my turn for a break from driving, I hopped in to the passenger seat, and with the push of one lever I was electrically reclining in to what I call a ‘car-nap’ position. The one where your mouth doesn’t fall open because you are almost lying flat. But it does cause a bit of a drooling! My legs were able to stretch out in front of me or be curled up on the seat. The leather is soft and squishy. These are all things one should look for when looking for a road trip-worthy car. 2. SPACE AND FEATURES Because it is a fancy pants model it has everything you really need. From Smart entry with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control (so there is no arguing over the temperature), an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seat heating for front and rear passengers (which came in handy seeing as Gauteng decided to drop in temp to about 17 degrees and pour with rain…while I decided to pack only dresses), to a panoramic sunroof (which I will admit I kept closed, but others would appreciate), a wireless charger (so handy when you’re using your phone for podcasts etc), and cruise control (another road trip must-have). The boot is spacious and swallowed up our bags, wedding gifts, snacks, wedding outfits and more. 3. AWD I mentioned the cash-in-transit heist. Well, this happened a few minutes ahead of us and so the road wasn’t closed yet. There was, however, a Toyota Fortuner burning in the middle of the road as well as the armoured car lying on its side, we quickly made the decision to go around the terrifying scene by hopping on to the centre verge which was thankfully grass, but also, with a load of dips and sand. The Sportage sailed through all of it. It meant we didn’t end up on the other side of what a few moments later became a closed highway. We also had to contend with some insane rain. The gravel roads that lead to the lodge had quickly become rivers. The AWD drive system on the Sportage GT-Line meant we had nothing to worry about. We were following a Toyota Hilux and a couple of Prados and we managed to keep up with no issues whatsoever. It was as if the Sportage was born to be muddy water baby. 4. POWER It is powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine. It produces 130 kW and 265 Nm. My gauge of whether or not a car is road trip worthy is whether it can overtake on an incline. I am so happy to report that the Sportage GT-Line left me feeling even more impressed with it than I was back at the launch. We sailed past so many trucks with ease. There were no harrowing moments because you knew the engine would deliver. 5. FUEL CONSUMPTION We managed an average fuel consumption of around 7.8 l/100 km. With the traffic and road blocks etc, I was expecting it to be higher. So I was pleasantly surprised. It also meant that we only made one stop at a fuel station the entire road trip. I hate stopping for anything. I always just want to get to my destination. The Kia Sportage GT-Line is a car that continues to impress me. And it isn’t even the brand new model we should hopefully see in SA soon. It just makes for such a fantastic everyday car, but also, the perfect road trip companion.

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car oil

Do you really know anything about car oil?

Guys, I have been a motoring journalist for over 14 years, so naturally you would think I would know all about car oil, right? Well I am a bit clueless if I am honest. Can you blame me though? I test drive new cars. For a week. It is very seldom that I have to put oil in any car I test drive. BUT that doesn’t excuse my lack of knowledge, I should have educated myself on what oil really means for a car. Thank goodness for TotalEnergies who decided to team up with me to educate, not only me, but you guys as well, on all things oil. As Jacobus Langenhoven, Lubricants Technical Manager for TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa says that just like an athlete, you should be concerned with your car’s health and performance. Choosing the right lubricant for your car can be the difference between achieving a bronze or a gold medal. “If you want to ensure your car is a tireless athlete, you need to look at its overall health. An athlete strives to be in optimal health, and they take care to ensure that their body receives the best sources of nutrition. But they are also concerned with performance, and using clean, efficient supplements and nutrients to go the distance,” said Langenhoven. Much as the human body is deeply complex, so are the systems in your vehicle, and lubricants can help in keeping them protected and clean to ensure efficiency. How does a lubricant improve performance? Ultimately, lubricants are about protecting the surfaces inside your car’s internal systems, by creating a liquid film over parts that reduces wear and tear and extends the life of your engine. They play many roles, from controlling the friction to ensuring fuel efficiency, resisting degradation and oxidation byproducts that would otherwise damage components, preventing rust, and cooling down the systems by evacuating excess heat. A lubricant is made up of base oils that are combined with various additives to improve performance and other critical properties. But how do they work? The viscosity – or thickness – of the lubricant plays a significant role. A more viscous lubricant offers a thicker film to protect your engine surfaces, but comes at a cost of increased internal friction of the lubricant itself, meaning you use more fuel. Modern lubricants can achieve thinner films that provide the same protection or even more, through the use of synthetic base oils and specialized additives. This can greatly improve fuel efficiency. Synthetic lubricants also have increased oxidation resistance, resulting in less generation of oxidation-byproducts. Effectively, the better performance and quality of your lubricant, the less likely your car’s ‘arteries’ will be damaged or have unwanted build-up of materials, which could affect its energy and fuel needs. Synthetic lubricants are less likely to experience build-up from impurities but conversely, they are more expensive, which is a major factor for many people whose finances were impacted by the pandemic. “Many of us want to take better care of our vehicles, which is why a lot of people who are interested in cars will choose synthetic lubricants. But a semi-synthetic is also an option, and can be a cost-effective compromise for end users. Luckily synthetic and semi-synthetic products are included in our Quartz product range. Always refer to your OEM handbook for guidance relating to the correct lubricants for your vehicle,” said Langenhoven. Can a lubricant save me money in the long term? What about right now? “In the long term, it is known, that the right lubricant for your vehicle will increase its longevity. Overall, there are fewer costs associated with maintenance, repairs, and less wear and tear in general,” said Langenhoven. But even in the short term, the right lubricant can mean greater fuel efficiency if this technology forms part of a specific product, so your engine performs better and requires less energy to do so. This immediately translates into an overall reduction in your fuel costs every year, and that does add up. “Many lubricants have been designed to improve fuel economy, and this relates to the additives that can alter the viscosity of the lubricant, meaning it is easier for your engine to function on less fuel. That’s one thing you can check for on the label of any bottle of lubricant,” he said. So how do I find the right lubricant for my car? “It’s something we often forget about, but the owner’s manual that comes with your vehicle usually has good recommendations for what products can be used. Often more than one viscosity grade is mentioned in manuals,” said Langenhoven. Secondly, many car manufacturers and lubricant manufacturers, such as TotalEnergies, have technical pages on their websites or technical support teams that you can contact to help you determine the best balance for your vehicle. Certain recommendation apps have also been in development that can also help you identify the best lubricants to use. TotalEnergies has also recently redesigned the look of several small-pack product ranges – including the Quartz product spectrum – but one of the key redesign elements was helping people understand the product they needed to use by visually using icons on the front label of the packaging. “Any confusion on the product tier, where and when it should be used, or even the number of OEM approvals is now clearly – and cleverly – part of each bottle’s design,” said Langenhoven. For more information check out the Quartz Lubricants range or visit the TotalEnergies’ Online Lubricants Catalogue. COMPETITION TIME! You can win a fuel voucher worth R1 000! Want to know how? Follow the steps below: THE STEPS STEP 1: Purchase any newly branded 500ml QUARTZ engine oil at your nearest TotalEnergies Service Station  STEP 2: Post a picture on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter telling me what you like most about the brand-new packaging STEP 3: Tag and follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and @TotalEnergies  STEP 4: Use the hashtag #WhatEnginesDeserve STEP 5: Make sure to keep

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V300d

Weekend away in Prince Albert and the Mercedes-Benz V300d

I am going to kick this off with a confession; I am not a fan of the Karoo. I know many people are. I know people feel that place in their bones, in their souls. I am not such a person. I hate any landscape that is dry and barren. I am all about the sea and bodies of water. I need greenery and shade. I feel almost claustrophobic in a place that is dry and hot. Prince Albert is one such place for me. So when I arrived at Onse Rus, I could have wept with relief. You see, Onse Rus manages to capture all that people love about the Karoo, but will also appeal to the naysayers like me. The garden is lush and full of incredible bird life. The pool is sparkling and inviting. The hosts are warm and welcoming. And the rooms are “farmy” and comfortable (and by “farmy” I mean that they make you feel like you’re on a farm). The correct term for the style of this guest house is Cape Dutch. It’s a place you can come to either in winter or summer because the fireplace and coziness of it all is so appealing. WHY PRINCE ALBERT THOUGH? My brother-in-law was getting married at one of the hotels in Prince Albert so we decided to make a weekend of it. I had been there once before on a Land Rover launch and so I knew that this little town held some charm. But it was Onse Rus and the lovely hosts Leonard and Neil that really did it for me this time around. DRIVING IN STYLE I had my parents-in-law with me so I needed a car that would get us there in style. Not only to show off, but also for comfort on the 4.5 hour drive. I was fortunate enough to arrange the new Mercedes-Benz V300d. Could you think of a better car to be in as a passenger on a long road trip? I was worried that the boot wouldn’t hold all of our luggage, but much to my surprise, we managed to fit everything in so that my in-laws were able to choose whichever seat they wanted in the rear. It arrived in the lounge set up, so the second row seats face backwards. I wanted to change them around, but it is quite a mission and one that I wasn’t prepared for. So I instructed my in-laws to sit on the rear bench so they wouldn’t be facing backwards while we drive. Everyone was very comfortable for the entire ride. You can just about make up any configuration you like. Which makes this one of the most practical cars on our roads. But there was one issue. The rattling door. I am told that Mercedes-Benz South Africa is aware of it and they are waiting on parts for it to be fixed. But good grief, if I had spent close to R2 million on a car and anything even as much as squeaked, I’d have a fit. But other than that, there isn’t much to complain about on this new, more powerful, people carrier. WHAT’S NEW IN THE ZOO? We are used to the range that includes the V200d, the V220d and the V250d. But the model I managed to secure happens to be the latest, and most powerful, to hit our shores. The V300d is available in Avantgarde, Avantgarde AMG Line or the one I had, which is the Exclusive. Under the bonnet of the V300d sits a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that produces 176 kW and 500 Nm of torque, which means it is more than powerful enough. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission which, combined with the engine, makes for a very refined and efficient drive. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.8L/100 km, and we sat at around 9.7L/100 km, which is pretty impressive. Some features that do come in handy on a road trip with your in-laws, is front and rear climate control. My husband and I wanted it to be set at around 19 degrees, which would have been too cold for my in-laws. So we left them to their own devices back there. There is also integrated navigation, front and rear park distance control, a multi-function steering wheel to name but a few features. The Exclusive model I was driving adds a sliding panoramic sunroof (which my father-in-law kept playing with, we eventually had to scold him like a teenager), adaptive cruise control (always handy on a long trip), and a surround-view camera…which was really handy as I arrived outside the hotel with all the wedding guests sitting there and had to parallel park this beast. I nailed it. Obviously! WOULD I BUY IT? Nope is my very honest answer, not only because I couldn’t actually afford the R1.8 million price tag, but because I think you would be just as happy in one of the other, cheaper models in the range. And if I am being completely honest, I would also probably consider something even cheaper like the Volkswagen T6.1 Caravelle. However, there is no denying the luxury on offer in this V300d. My in-laws would constantly remark how they felt like celebrities in the back. I think that’s maybe the key. To be a passenger in this car is the sweet spot. Because you can lie back and just enjoy the ride. Although, I am far too much of a control freak, and being the driver is not a bad place to be either. BACK TO ONSE RUS If you are looking for a weekend getaway, somewhere to truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then put Onse Rus on your list of places to go. Even if you are passing through and need a stop over spot, this is the one you want to stop at. If anything, for the brekkie the next morning. Tell Neil and Leonard I send you! Or not, your call. And

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