ZOC 12023 10 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / WHEELS <strong>June</strong> <strong>15</strong> to 21 <strong>2014</strong> Economical yet Fact Jeke stylish A lot has happened in the motoring industry; from the drag races, Jamboree to various motor shows in the world. In this issue I put together three vehicles from different manufacturers so that you can see which one moves your heart at three different prices. Read on and enjoy. The Mazda2 is an excellent super-mini that’s shed some 200kg off the previous model to make it light, nippy and efficient. It looks extremely sharp too with its angular front and sleek hippy behind. It’s surprisingly comfortable given the short wheelbase and compact dimensions --you will even be able to manage the odd motorway trundle without any bother at all. The diesel one is due soon, but up until that point there are just two petrol variants to choose from, a 1.3-litre, or a 1.5. You may want the 1.5 Sport - 0-100kmph in 10.4 seconds. Both engines feel quite fizzy and suit the car down to the ground. The car is cool, rational and stylish and not a Fiat 500. So bonus points all round. The vehicle is nicely mixed up, with a playfully- designed dash that feels like it might at least last as long as you will. Mazda knows how to do this sort of thing, and the 2 feels like it’s been designed with humans in mind. The diet has certainly helped the 2 get fit -- there’s positivity to the steering that means it always feels perky and up-for-it, great throttle response and a general air of sprightliness that you can’t beat in a city. In town this is a glorious little terrier. With five doors and a hatch, it has room for four adults, but this isn’t a huge car so don’t expect too much. Still, for the size, a 250-litre boot with the seats up isn’t too bad, and there’s a more useful 787 litres with the seats folded. When it comes to running costs and affordability, we all know Mazda comes tops! The economy of fuel and service with this car makes you want to ditch your classy SUV. You save a lot and still look glam behind the wheel. Now to a vehicle which is hardly on our roads here in Harare. It’s a hot number which fits this spring season as the flowers spring out. As the streets are laced with purple jacarandas, you could be cruising with the top off. What more can you wish for? They say the Volkswagen Eos isn’t just a converted hatch but a specially made car bigger than a Golf. When it comes to comfort, the seats are excellent. And of course it’s cramped in the back, but not as bad as the hatch-derived opposition, so maybe VW does have a point there. The glass roof slides to make a sunroof if you don’t want to blast your passengers. On performance, the mid-range 2.0 turbo (petrol and diesel) hit the spot. The 3.2V6 has more power than an Eos knows what to do with. When it comes to handling, you get the usual re-assuring VW steering and trustworthy cornering. Like all CCs, the boot space suffers when the roof is down, despite the huge complexity of the Eos’ effort. Variable service intervals mean if you go gently it’ll pay off in costs. Fuel costs aren’t bad and depreciation on an Eos is still gentle, which is a big plus. And we all know VW rocks . . . remember the Chicco Golf, the old ancient VW Bugs we still see on our roads? Time only makes VW make better, more innovative vehicles. Lastly, the Chrysler Sebring is a mid-sized to large American saloon that’s pitched to tempt us away from more traditional rivals. The suspension is soft, there’s scuttle-shake despite the fact this is a Saloon and it makes you travel sick. Very comfortable in a straight line, driving on glass, when you’re drunk. Don’t get me wrong, I am not encouraging you to drink and drive. There’s a big bit of Europe tucked under the bonnet in the form of the VW Passat’s 2.0- litre turbo diesel, which is loud but effective; 0-100kmph in 12 seconds. There is also a pair of Chrysler’s own engines on offer -- a smaller 2.0 and a 2.4. The small petrol is surprisingly good, with 0-100kmph in 11.1 seconds and a 200kmph top speed. The Sebring actually feels pretty solidly built. The boot is big at 440 litres and there’s plenty of space for four grown-ups. It’s quite a low cost vehicle when it comes to running it. Three cars in different classes at three different prices to choose from. Check with your local dealers for prices. Till next week stay blessed and be safe. Email: missjeke@gmail.com Facebook: torque with factjeke Two good to be true Jeep Compass - 2.0L Petrol DUTY FREE $ 29 420 FROM 29 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 3.6L Petrol DUTY FREE $ 65 135 FROM 65 Reversing camera + touchscreen radio. 4 x 2 FWD with two equal half shafts. Heated front seats + wing mirrors. Four full independent suspension. Speed sensitive power lock. Tyre pressure monitor. DUTY PAID $ 40 543 FROM 40 Permanent 4 x 4 + new dual exhaust Keyless ignition + 8 speed automatic High intensity discharge headlamps + LED accents New LED tail lamps + New alluminium 18" wheels Harmon Kardon premium audio system New power liftgate + Eco-mode fuel economy DUTY PAID $ 89 900 FROM 89 WARRANTY – 36 MONTHS OR 60 000 KM’S CLUB CHAMBERS SHOWROOM: 3rd St. / George Silundika Ave. SAM LEVY’S VILLAGE SHOWROOM, BORROWDALE: SHOP III: Contact our Product Executives: Vincent 0772 759 810, Lawrence 0772 873 116, Webster 0714 659 133, Tel: (04) 702 650 / 8 email The Manager: enquiries@sales.zimoco.co.zw www.zimoco.co.zw Contact our Product Executives: Francis 0772 962 537, Raymond 0772 777 044 Tel No’s: (04) 882 560, 882 310
THE STANDARD STYLE HOME & GARDEN COMPETITION Send us a picture of your Home and enter “ZIMBABWE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL HOME” competition and stand a chance to win a self catering holiday for two couples in the picturesque Eastern Highlands style@standard.co.zw Specification: JPEG minimum size 2MB picture quality 300dpi This week’s code: STDSTYHM06
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