Women on Wheels

It’s such a cliché, but I can’t believe how quickly time flies. It feels like just yesterday that I was writing my very first editor’s letter. And now here we are with Women on Wheels 2017! The website has kept us very busy this past year, and we’re thrilled to see WOW’s digital space growing. Again, we’ve kept the digital line open to the magazine and so you’ll find the same level of entertainment and information our readers have come to expect in the magazine. It’s not just about what’s under the bonnet – cars can be visually emotional – so I wanted this issue to be a real feast for the eyes. Head over to our classic car piece (page 44) and pore over the details of these timeless beauties. We…

Fines and summonses: how to contest them What are your rights when it comes to traffic fines and summonses? Firstly, there are two types of traffic fines: a Section 56 notice (which is given to you by a traffic officer) and a 341 traffic ticket (violation caught on camera or when a motorist isn’t present to be issued the ticket – i.e. the pink ticket you get when you park on a red line). There are ways to contest your traffic fine and you have the right to do so. This can be done in person or in writing. IN WRITING Send a letter to your local traffic department, explaining your reason for the offense. Your letter can be sent via post or by fax. IN PERSON According to the City of Cape…

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, LIMPOPO AND MPUMALANGA The mother ship of South African game parks has about 3 000 km of tarred and gravel roads, most of which are in great condition and suitable for the average light passenger vehicle. The park has nine main gates that allow easy access to the different rest camps. Check gate times online before your trip, as they change throughout the season, as you don’t want to get stuck inside having to pay a penalty. For enthusiastic (and budding) ornithologists, the park boasts a whopping 517 bird species, including the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard and Pel’s fishing owl, to name a few. The Big Five is also found at Kruger, which has 147 species of large mammals, more than any other game…

All too often, accidents occur in game reserves that could have been easily avoided if visitors followed simple rules and etiquette. Drivers have to be extra vigilant and cautious in these areas, as animals can run across the roads or behave erratically. Drivers are often too distracted searching the horizon for a sign of movement to notice creatures popping out in front of the bonnet. Follow these guidelines and you’ll have a magical experience ›› The number-one rule: stay in your vehicle at all times, unless you’re at designated picnic spots, viewing sites or rest camps. ›› Stick to the speed limit. You’re far more likely to spot animals when you take it slowly. ›› Look out for animals on, or crossing, roads. Reptiles often seek warmth on the tar and are well camouflaged,…

Come on, join me on a weekend of la dolce vita on wheels – the Fiat 500C Lounge will simply steal your heart. I love a good success story. Okay, so the iconic Fiat 500, or “Cinquecento”, was launched way, way back in 1957. I’m not joking; we’re talking the previous century here. This little mobile marvel became a cult car of note as the cheeky bubble on wheels. Now, 60 years later, its modern reincarnation has us all drooling over its attractive assets like never before. The original wasn’t just an affordable, practical little car that got you from A to B without a hassle; it evolved into a lifestyle statement for a whole generation and beyond. I mean, your gran probably wanted one, then your mom and now you. Trust me,…

In 1960, it was hip. In 2017, it’s still cool. How many times have I heard people saying “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” and that goes for winning formulas like the Fiat 500 and mama’s pasta. These are the things I adore about this cheeky car. ›› Safety-wise, the Fiat 500 has seven airbags, ABS with EBD and ESC plus Anti Slip Regulation, Hill Hold and Hydraulic Brake Assistance for emergency braking. ›› It has an amazing little two-cylinder engine that really gets it going. The 0,9 Twinair Turbo produces either 63 kW in the Pop and Pop Star, or 77 kW in the Lounge version. It might be small but when you get up to speed, you’ll be surprised how this baby takes on the big bad motorways with…